The surgeons at the regional university hospital of Brest, France, are able to significantly reduce operation time and surgical risks by 3D printing patient-specific models in advance. They use the Stratasys J5 MediJet for this, which, according to one of the radiologists involved, offers the necessary accuracy for this type of application.
“We can produce patient-specific models on the MediJet that are much more realistic than our other 3D printing technologies allow. For example, with the Elastico material, the haptic feel and smoothness of the surface come much closer to the soft arteries of the patient,” says Samuel Guigo, radiologist and 3D printing expert at CHU hospital in Brest.
From outsourcing 3D printing work to in-house production
Improved security
The university hospital has recently started using the Stratasys J5 MediJet, a healthcare-certified version of this multi-material 3D printer. The step from models printed in one material and one color to a multi-material and multi-color print is a big one, says the French radiologist. The accuracy of the J5 and the use of different materials and colors ensure that medical specialists can prepare for their procedure much better than before. “And that significantly and demonstrably reduces surgical risk through improved safety,” he explains. The surgeons use the models not only to plan the operation, but also to better explain to the patient how the procedure will proceed. This improves patient satisfaction with the procedure.
Justify business case
With the arrival of the Stratasys 3D printer, the hospital has brought the production of medical models back in-house. Previously, this was often outsourced to service bureaus. The growing need for good models has justified the business case for the investment in the J5 MediJet. According to the hospital, 3D printing accurate models can lead to fewer complications and reduce the number of patient days.
The arrival of the Stratasys 3D printer has given the university hospital in Brest a position as a Third Party Experimentation Centre. It fulfills a regional role in medical innovation. It now also prints anatomical models for other hospitals in the region.
Seido Systems is the distributor of Stratasys 3D printers in the Benelux. Seido Systems is one of the exhibitors at AM for Production at the end of March in Den Bosch.