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3D Printer Application for Endoscope-Assisted Spine Surgery Instrument Development: From Prototype Instruments to
Hee Seok Yang1, Jeong Yoon Park2
1Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul Barunsesang Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Yonsei Medical Journal
|December 31, 2019
Summary
3D printing enables the creation of novel surgical instruments for spine surgery. This new system enhances access and reduces bone removal, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Spine Surgery
- Medical Device Development
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Developing complex surgical instruments presents significant challenges.
- 3D printing offers potential for creating customized surgical tools, but applications have been limited.
- Existing methods for spine surgery may involve unnecessary bone destruction.
Observation:
- A novel endoscope-assisted spine surgery system was designed and prototyped using 3D printing.
- The system features an expandable cannula system with magnetic connectors for increased instrument access.
- Patient-specific 3D models were utilized for surgical planning and simulation.
- Discectomies were performed using the new system and compared to conventional techniques.
Findings:
- The 3D-printed surgical system successfully facilitated complex instrument manipulation.
- The enhanced access provided by the extra portal reduced facet resection during foraminal discectomies.
- The system demonstrated feasibility and usefulness in simulated surgical procedures.
Implications:
- 3D printing technology is valuable for realizing and evaluating complex surgical instrument systems.
- The developed system can significantly increase the usability and access in endoscope-assisted spine surgery.
- This approach may lead to less invasive surgical procedures and improved patient recovery.
