Chennai : 

Less than two decades ago, it was impossible to feed a schematic into a computer and getting a completely built, accurate, full size model out from a machine in a matter of hours. But 3D printing technology has come so far, so fast that not only is that possible, but also doctors have begun using it to simplify what used to be very complicated surgeries.

Doctors at the SRM Institute of Medical Sciences(SIMS) have used the very same technology to successfully operate on three patients at a fraction of the time it normally takes. Called Rapid 3D prototyping, the technique utilises a high definition medical 3D printing machine to churn out scale models of any bone structure that doctors want in a matter of hours. The implications of having such scale models, flawless in their reproduction has been priceless, especially in time consuming surgeries with low first attempt success rates like hip replacement.

“We have utilised this technique to operate on three patients successfully for the first time in South India. We have seen a rapid reduction in the time taken to complete the surgery and a higher chance of success,” said Dr K Sridhar, pro vice-chancellor (medical) of SRM University and part of the group’s effort in putting together an advanced medical research team. The doctors first began with taking extensive CT scans of the affected areas of the hip — from shattered bone fragments and broken pelvises. With the CT scans developed into a 3D schematic using software designed for the same, doctors had printed out exact and high resolution models of the fractured hips.

“What these models helped us do was plan exactly how to approach each surgery and the materials and implants required to correct them. Earlier, the scans only allowed us to imagine where and what was in there. One of our patients actually had to have two failed attempts before he came here to us,” said Dr Vijay C Bose, joint director, consultant orthopaedic surgeon.

Being able to plan the exact route and knowing what to find has reduced surgery time by 2.5 hours, and increased chances of success. “We do not have to rely on trial-and-error methods of surgery anymore. We have the exact model to rehearse on now,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / Express News Service / October 07th, 2015