In-House Virtual Surgery Planning and 3D Printing for Head and Neck Surgery With Free Software: Our Workflow

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Device Manufacturing

Background:

• Head and neck oncologic surgery often requires specialized tools and models.
• Traditional workflows for custom surgical guides can be time-consuming and expensive.
• Outsourcing 3D printing services may lead to extended lead times and higher costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a validated workflow for an in-house 3D printing department in a university hospital.
• To evaluate the feasibility of using free software for computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in surgical applications.
• To compare the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of an in-house 3D printing service versus external outsourcing.

Main Methods:

• Development of an in-house 3D printing workflow using free software.
• Focus on creating 3D printed biomodels and cutting guides for head and neck cancer surgery.
• Assessment of the time and cost efficiency of the in-house department.

Main Results:

• An in-house 3D printing department is a viable and cost-effective option for hospitals.
• Significant cost savings and reduced lead times were observed compared to outsourcing.
• The workflow demonstrated efficiency in producing essential surgical aids.

Conclusions:

• Establishing an in-house 3D printing department can streamline head and neck oncologic surgery.
• This approach enhances accessibility to advanced CAD/CAM technologies.
• The implementation leads to more efficient and cost-effective surgical procedures within the healthcare system.