Bespoke 3D printed eye cover for teen with rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Background: We report a case of using 3D printing to create a bespoke eye cover for an 18-year-old man with left maxillary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Further, the patient had proptosis causing chemosis and subsequent conjunctival abrasions. This had been managed by taping a large dressing around the eye for a number of weeks previously.

Methods: A 3D scanner was used to capture the surface topography of the patients face. The data were imported into a CAD package and used as a guide to create a bespoke eye cover. The final design was 3D printed in a biocompatible material for use by the patient.

Results: The scan, modelling, and printing of the bespoke cover was completed successfully in less than 72 hours.

Conclusion: 3D printing offers a method to create bespoke solutions for patients in palliative care to meet rare and difficult clinical challenges.

Keywords: head and neck; hospice care; other cancer; terminal care.