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In-House Virtual Surgery Planning and 3D Printing for Head and Neck Surgery With Free Software: Our Workflow
Vicenç J Gómez1, Antonio Martín-González2, Víctor Zafra-Vallejo1
1Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
Study Design:
This study explores the workflow of in-house computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) in head and neck oncologic surgery, focusing on 3D printing of biomodels and cutting guides.
Objective:
We aim to describe a validated workflow for an in-house 3D Printing Department within a level III University Hospital of the Spanish Public Health System using free software.
Methods:
Our study outlines a cost-effective and time-efficient workflow utilizing free software for 3D printing. We assess the feasibility of establishing an in-house department compared to outsourcing to the biomedical industry.
Results:
The study demonstrates that creating an in-house 3D Printing Department in a hospital setting is a viable option. We discuss the advantages, including cost savings and reduced lead times, as well as the limitations of this approach.
Conclusions:
In conclusion, establishing an in-house 3D Printing Department has the potential to significantly streamline complex head and neck oncologic surgery procedures. This approach can enhance accessibility to advanced CAD/CAM, making them more efficient and cost-effective within the healthcare system.
