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. 2016 Sep 27;4(9):e1029.
doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001029. eCollection 2016 Sep.

3D Printed Models of Cleft Palate Pathology for Surgical Education

Peter A Lioufas  1 , Michelle R Quayle  1 , James C Leong  1 , Paul G McMenamin  1
Affiliations

3D Printed Models of Cleft Palate Pathology for Surgical Education

Peter A Lioufas et al. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. .

Abstract

To explore the potential viability and limitations of 3D printed models of children with cleft palate deformity.

Background: The advantages of 3D printed replicas of normal anatomical specimens have previously been described. The creation of 3D prints displaying patient-specific anatomical pathology for surgical planning and interventions is an emerging field. Here we explored the possibility of taking rare pediatric radiographic data sets to create 3D prints for surgical education.

Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data of 2 children (8 and 14 months) were segmented, colored, and anonymized, and stereolothographic files were prepared for 3D printing on either multicolor plastic or powder 3D printers and multimaterial 3D printers.

Results: Two models were deemed of sufficient quality and anatomical accuracy to print unamended. One data set was further manipulated digitally to artificially extend the length of the cleft. Thus, 3 models were printed: 1 incomplete soft-palate deformity, 1 incomplete anterior palate deformity, and 1 complete cleft palate. All had cleft lip deformity. The single-material 3D prints are of sufficient quality to accurately identify the nature and extent of the deformities. Multimaterial prints were subsequently created, which could be valuable in surgical training.

Conclusion: Improvements in the quality and resolution of radiographic imaging combined with the advent of multicolor multiproperty printer technology will make it feasible in the near future to print 3D replicas in materials that mimic the mechanical properties and color of live human tissue making them potentially suitable for surgical training.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article. This study was supported by Monash University Centre for Human Anatomy Education—3D printing equipment and software. The Article Processing Charge was paid for by the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Image of the 3D print of Case 1 showing an incomplete soft-cleft deformity.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Image of the 3D print of Case 2 showing an incomplete hard-cleft deformity. Scale shown here is the same for Figures 1–3.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Image of the 3D print of the digitally created Case 3 (complete soft- and hard-palate deformity).
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
The palate only of the 3 cases shown in Figures 1–3 printed to scale on the Connex J750 as described in Methods.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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