Additive Manufacturing Techniques for the Reconstruction of 3D Fetal Faces

Area of Science:

• Medical imaging
• Additive manufacturing
• 3D modeling

Background:

• Routine 3D ultrasound data is increasingly available.
• 3D fetal face models can offer unique insights.
• Emotional and affective aspects of prenatal imaging are under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for creating 3D fetal face models from ultrasound data using additive manufacturing.
• To evaluate the emotional and affective impact of these 3D models on expectant parents.
• To assess the potential of 3D models in enhancing parent-physician communication, particularly for conditions like cleft lip.

Main Methods:

• Processing routine 3D ultrasound data.
• Utilizing medical image processing techniques for 3D model creation.
• Distributing questionnaires to expectant parents to gather feedback on emotional and affective responses.

Main Results:

• A novel method for generating 3D fetal face models from ultrasound data was successfully developed.
• Preliminary questionnaire results indicate positive emotional and affective responses from parents.
• Potential for improved parent-physician communication, especially in cases of fetal malformations like cleft lip, was observed.

Conclusions:

• Additive manufacturing offers a viable approach for creating 3D fetal face models from ultrasound data.
• These 3D models have a significant positive emotional and affective impact on expectant parents.
• The technology shows promise for enhancing prenatal care and communication, particularly for congenital conditions.