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3D-printed haptic "reverse" models for preoperative planning in soft tissue reconstruction: a case report
Michael P Chae1, Frank Lin, Robert T Spychal
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Frankston Hospital, Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC, Australia; Department of Surgery, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia; Monash University Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit (Peninsula Clinical School), Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC, Australia.
This study introduces a novel 3D-printed "reverse model" for reconstructive surgery planning. This technique accurately represents skin defects, aiding in effective flap design and harvesting for improved surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Preoperative planning is crucial for successful reconstructive surgery.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing, a form of rapid prototyping, is emerging as a valuable tool in medical applications.
- Traditional methods for planning complex reconstructions can be limited by the constraints of two-dimensional (2D) imaging.
Observation:
- A reproducible method was developed to create a 3D-printed
- reverse model
- of a skin wound defect using computed tomographic angiography (CTA) data.
- This involved 3D reconstruction of imaging data and superimposing contralateral limb images to mirror the defect.
- The model was utilized for planning a composite radial forearm free flap (RFFF) in an 82-year-old patient with an exposed ankle prosthesis.
Findings:
- The 3D-printed reverse model facilitated precise planning and execution of the RFFF for soft tissue coverage and dead-space obliteration.
- The surgical procedure was performed without complications, demonstrating the efficacy of the planning method.
- This represents the first reported use of a 3D reverse model for calculating and visualizing soft tissue defects for surgical planning.
Implications:
- 3D printing, especially with reverse modeling, offers a versatile and potentially cost-effective approach to reconstructive surgical planning.
- This technique has the potential for broad application in various complex reconstructive scenarios.
- Enhanced preoperative visualization and planning through 3D models can lead to improved functional and aesthetic results in patients.
