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Three-dimensional printing surgical instruments: are we there yet?
Timothy M Rankin1, Nicholas A Giovinco2, Daniel J Cucher1
1Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|April 12, 2014
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing can create low-cost, sterile surgical retractors from polylactic acid (PLA). These 3D-printed instruments are strong enough for operating room use, offering potential benefits for global healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Rapid prototyping applications have grown significantly, with additive manufacturing (3D printing) explored for implants and scaffolds.
- Limited research exists on the feasibility of 3D printing surgical instruments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the viability of 3D printing surgical instruments using polylactic acid (PLA).
- To assess the mechanical strength, sterility, and cost-effectiveness of 3D-printed surgical retractors.
Main Methods:
- An Army/Navy surgical retractor was 3D printed using fused deposition modeling with PLA filament.
- The printed retractor underwent sterilization, bacterial testing (polymerase chain reaction), and mechanical stress testing to failure.
Main Results:
- Printing took approximately 90 minutes, yielding a 16g instrument costing $0.46 in PLA.
- The retractor withstood 13.6 kg of force, demonstrating sufficient strength for operating room demands, both before and after sterilization.
- Freshly extruded PLA was found to be sterile, producing no polymerase chain reaction product.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed PLA retractors are cost-effective (approximately 1/10th the cost of stainless steel) and robust for surgical use.
- The process yields sterile instruments suitable for operating rooms.
- Accessible 3D printing technology offers significant implications for improving surgical care in underserved regions worldwide.
