Designing and making an open source, 3D-printed, punctal plug with drug delivery system

With the advancement in the study of keratoconjunctivitis sicca and the scope of its treatment, punctal plugs are being widely used for the therapeutic management of dry eye disease. With the emergence of 3D printing in medicine, 3D printing of punctal plugs that have an inbuilt drug delivery system and also that can be personalized from patient to patient according to their punctum size can be a great therapeutic option. Another benefit of the device is that its printing takes a short period of time and is cost-effective. This study aimed at making an open source design and 3D printing an efficient model of a punctal plug with an inbuilt drug delivery system that can be eventually used for the treatment of various ocular diseases that require frequent drug instillation or blockage of the nasolacrimal pathway. The 3D design for the punctal plug was made using the open source application, FreeCAD, and slicing was done using the application ChituBox. After that, the plugs were printed using the LCD printer Crealty LD-002R. The material used was resin that was compatible with the Crealty LD-002R. Punctal plugs with satisfactory results were printed using the LCD printer. The punctal plugs showed suitable structure and were also easily reproduced in the 3D printer without any complications or setbacks.

Structural Design and Optimization of Cushioning Insole with Variable Stiffness / 医用生物力学

Objective An X-shaped cushioning insole with variable stiffness was designed to explore its effects on plantar pressure and internal stress of diabetic patients with toe amputation. Methods Based on CT images, the feet-calf finite element model of diabetic patients with toe amputation was established, and the insole was divided into different areas according to distribution characteristics of the planter pressure. The three-dimensional (3D) printed cushioning insole with an X-shaped sandwich structure was designed. The modulus of the sandwichstructure was changed by changing thickness of the sandwich structure panel. For simulation analysis, the divided area was filled with the X-shaped sandwich structure with different modulus. Results The peak plantar pressure of diabetic patients with toe amputation was in calcaneal region, and the combined insoles with 1. 2 mpanel thickness in toe area, 1. 4 mm panel thickness in metatarsal area, 2. 0 mm panel thickness in middle area and 1. 6 mm panel thickness in heel area had the best decompression effect. Compared with bare feet, the peak pressure in heel area of the insole, the peak pressure in phalangeal head area and the stress in plantar softissues were reduced by 40. 18% , 31. 7% , and 50. 44% , respectively. Conclusions The 3D printed insoles with variable stiffness can effectively reduce surface pressure and internal stress of the sole and reduce probability of the 2nd toe amputation

Current situation and prospect of 3D printing technology in pharmaceutical preparations / 中国药科大学学报

@#With the rapid advancement of science and technology, the application of 3D printing technology for personalized drug manufacturing is becoming increasingly sophisticated.Compared to traditional manufacturing technology, 3D printing can easily customize preparations with specific sizes, shapes and release behaviors for personalized drug use.This review summarizes the principles of several 3D printing technologies commonly used in drug manufacturing, lists the unique advantages and application examples of 3D printing technology for pharmaceutical preparation, analyses the current research status and development trends of the global industry of drug 3D printing, and summarizes the current problems and challenges facing drug 3D printing, aiming to provide some guidance for researchers of 3D printed drugs.

From "Empirical Surgery" to "Precision Surgery": establishment and clinical application of precision orthognathic surgery system / 华西口腔医学杂志

Orthognathic surgery, which involve osteotomy and repositioning of the maxillomandibular complex, has recently emerged as a crucial method of correcting dentofacial deformities. The optimal placement of the maxillomandibular complex holds utmost significance during orthognathic surgery because it directly affects the surgical outcome. To accurately achieve the ideal position of the maxillomandibular complex, with the rapid advancements in digital surgery and 3D-printing technology, orthognathic surgery has entered an era of "Precision Surgery" from the pervious "Empirical Surgery." This article provides comprehensive insights into our extensive research and exploration of the treatment modality known as "precision orthognathic surgery" over the years. We also present the technical system and application in"Ortho+X" treatment modality to offer valuable references and assistance to our colleagues in the field.

Simultaneous implantation and tooth preparation technology guided by 3D-printed guide / 华西口腔医学杂志

Using digital technologies in concurrently performing missing tooth implantation and preparation of remaining teeth is a solution to reduce the number of visits and improve efficiency. This paper proposes a digital process for simultaneously implanting and preparing teeth. It integrates implant surgical guide and 3D-printed tooth preparation guide into a single guide and completes guided implant placement and precise tooth preparation. Based on "repair-oriented" virtual implant planning, the implant surgical guide can improve the efficiency and predictability of implant placement, and its linear accuracy is about 1 mm. The tooth preparation guide precisely guides tooth preparation and restoration space visualization, ensuring the quality of the tooth preparation. The two guides have different design accuracy requirements, and thus their combination improves the overall guiding accuracy requirements. The concurrent application of the two guides minimizes the clinical operation time, number of visits, and economic burden of patients.

3D-printed vertebral body in anterior spinal reconstruction after total spondylectomy for patients with cervical chordoma / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether 3D-printed artificial vertebral body can reduce prosthesis subsidence rate for patients with cervical chordomas, through comparing the rates of prosthesis subsidence between 3D printing artificial vertebral body and titanium mesh for anterior spinal reconstruction after total spondylectomy.@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical treatment for cervical chordoma at our hospital from March 2005 to September 2019. There were nine patients in the group of 3D artificial vertebral body (3D group), and 15 patients in the group of titanium mesh cage (Mesh group). The patients' characteristics and treatment data were extracted from the medical records, including age, gender, CT hounsfield unit of cervical vertebra and surgical information, such as the surgical segments, time and blood loss of surgery, frequency and degree of prosthesis subsidence after surgery. Radiographic observations of prosthesis subsidence during the follow-up, including X-rays, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging were also collected. SPSS 22.0 was used to analysis the data.@*RESULTS@#There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, CT hounsfield unit, surgical segments, time of surgery, blood loss of posterior surgery and total blood loss. Blood loss of anterior surgery was 700 (300, 825) mL in 3D group and 1 500 (750, 2 800) mL in Mesh group (P < 0.05). The prosthesis subsidence during the follow-up, 3 months after surgery, there was significant difference between the two groups in mild prosthesis subsidence (P < 0.05). The vertebral height of the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm in eight cases (no prosthesis subsidence) and more than 1 mm in one case (mild prosthesis subsidence). The vertebral height of the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm in five cases (no prosthesis subsidence), and more than 1 mm in eight cases (mild prosthesis subsidence). Two patients did not have X-rays in 3 months after surgery. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the prosthesis subsidence rate at the end of 12 months (P < 0.01). The vertebral height of eight cases in the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence) and one case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence). Four of the 15 cases in the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), two cases more than 1 mm (mild prosthesis subsidence), and nine cases more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence). There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in the prosthesis subsidence rate at the end of 24 months (P < 0.01). The vertebral height of seven cases in the 3D group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), one case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence), and one case died with tumor. One case in the Mesh group decreased less than 1 mm (no prosthesis subsidence), one case more than 1 mm (mild prosthesis subsidence), 11 case more than 3 mm (severe prosthesis subsidence), one case died with tumor and one lost the follow-up. Moreover, at the end of 12 months and 24 months, there was significant difference between the two groups in severe prosthesis subsidence rate (P < 0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#3D-printed artificial vertebral body for anterior spinal reconstruction after total spondylectomy for patients with cervical chordoma can provide reliable spinal stability, and reduce the incidence of prosthesis subsidence after 2-year follow-up.

Short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures / 中国骨伤

Objective To explore the short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures, and explore the quantification of traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction and personalized improvement of splinting. Methods The clinical data of 50 patients with AO type-A distal radius fractures, who received treatment at the outpatient department of Cangzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital in Hebei Province, were retrospective analyzed. The patient cohort included 22 females and 28 males, with ages ranging from 25 to 75 years old. Among them, 27 cases presented with distal radius fractures on the left side, and 24 cases on the right side. The patients were categorized into two groups: treatment group (n=25) and control group(n=25). There were 13 males and 12 females in the treatment group, with an average age of (56.2±5.5) years old. Treatment approach for this group involved several steps. Initially, Mimics Research software was used to conduct comprehensive analysis of complete CT data from the affected limb, resulting in the creation of a three-dimensional model. Subsequently, 3D models of the bones and skin contours, stored as STL format files, were imported into the Materialise Magics 23.0 software for model processing and repair. This facilitated the simulation of reduction and recording of displacement data, effectively generating a "digital prescription" to guide and quantify traditional Chinese medicine manipulation procedures. Finally, a personalized 3D printed splint was applied for fixation treatment. There were 15 males and 10 females in the control group, with an average age of (53.32±5.28) years old. These patients were treated with manualreduction combined with traditional splinting. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was assessed in terms of fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, Gartland-Werley wrist joint score and X-ray parameters (palminclination angle, ulnar deviation angle, radius height) at 6 weeks post-operatively. Results The treatment group exhibited a shorter duration for achieving clinical healing compared to the control group (P<0.05). Six weeks post-operatively, the treatment group demonstrated higher wrist joint function scores, and a higher proportion of excellent and good outcomes than the control group(P<0.05). The treatment group was superior to the control group in terms of imaging parameters 6 weeks post-operatively (P<0.05). Conclusion By quantifying skin contours through digital simulation prescription reduction, a personalized 3D printed splint is developed to effectively stabilize fractures, enhancing localized fixation while ensuring greater adherence, stability, and comfort. This innovative approach offers personalized treatment for AO type-A distal radius fractures and presents a novel, precise treatment strategy for consideration.

Customized 3D printed acetabular augment for repair of large acetabular bone defects in delayed total hip arthroplasty after failed treatment of acetabular fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the early clinical effectiveness of using customized 3D printed acetabular augment to repair large acetabular bone defects in delayed total hip arthroplasty after failed treatment of acetabular fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 6 patients who had undergone 3D printed acetabular augment to reconstruct acetabular bone defects in delayed total hip replacement from July 2021 to January 2023 after failed treatment of acetabular fractures. They were all males, with an age of (51.3±15.0) years. Paprosky classification: 2 cases of type ⅡB, 1 case of type ⅡC, and 3 cases of type ⅢA. Recorded were surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, hospitalization time, and visual analogue scale (VAS), and modified Merle d'Aubigné & Postel score, Harris hip score, and leg length discrepancy at the last follow-up.Results:For the 6 patients, the mean surgical time was (222.5±46.9) min, the mean intraoperative bleeding 1,100 (1,000, 2,625) mL, the mean hospitalization time (9.0±4.5) d, and the mean follow-up time (11.8±7.9) months. At the last follow-up, the VAS [(2.5±1.0) points] significantly decreased compared with the preoperative value [(6.2±0.8) points], the modified Merle d'Aubigné & Postel score [(13.2±2.1) points] and Harris hip score [(67.8±15.3) points] significantly increased compared with the preoperative values [(6.7±0.8) and (34.2±8.4) points], the vertical position of center of rotation [(22.5±5.2) mm] and the horizontal position of center of rotation [(40.7±2.6) mm] were significantly reduced compared with the preoperative values [(38.1±14.2) and (53.1±10.0) mm] ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the leg length discrepancy was (6.2±3.6) mm, showing no statistically significant difference from the preoperative value [(18.7±1.7) mm] ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up, no clear line at the cup-bone or augment-bone interface, or no possible prosthetic loosening or displacement was observed on the X-ray films. Conclusion:In delayed total hip arthroplasty after failed treatment of acetabular fractures, the customized 3D printed augment for repair of large bone defects in the acetabulum can reconstruct the normal rotation center of the hip joint, provide reliable stability for the cup prosthesis, and enable patients to obtain significant improvements in hip function.

A framework for advanced technology medicines from the perspective of community pharmacists; with or without technology

Abstract Nowadays, the number of medicines manufactured using advanced technologies such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and 3D printing is increasing along with the accelerated pace of technological change. Evaluating high technology medicines from the perspective of community pharmacists is important for the quality of the pharmacy practice. The aim is to analyze the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of community pharmacists regarding advanced technology medicines and to examine the social and ethical aspects from the pharmacist's perspective. A face-to-face cross-sectional survey was conducted with each of the 879 community pharmacists in Istanbul using a stratified sampling method. In this context, the gaps in pharmacists' knowledge of high technology medicines were determined. It has been found that the pharmacists' level of knowledge and willingness to learn new technologies differs according to the current education levels of the pharmacists and diversity in patient profiles. The pharmacists should close the knowledge gaps and update their information about medicines that are manufactured via the implementation of advanced technologies. The more pharmacists adapt to technology, the better guidance they can offer to society. This will also ensure that communication between the pharmacist and the patient to be built on trust, and significantly improve pharmacy practice.

Flap combined with 3D printed microporous tianium(tantalum)prosthesis in the treatment of lower extremity soft tissue defect with large bone defect / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of flap combined with 3D printed microporous titanium(tantalum)prosthesis in the treatment of lower extremity soft tissue defect with large bone defect.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, 2 patients with large soft tissue defects on dorsal foot together with large metatarsal bone defect and 4 patients with soft tissue defects of calf with large tibial bone defect were treated. The areas of soft tissue defect were 5.0 cm×8.0 cm-15.0 cm×10.0 cm. The length of the bone defect were 3.8 cm to 7.0 cm, 5.75 cm in average. In the first stage, metatarsal bone defect or tibial bone defect was filled with vancomycin blended bone cement, meanwhile, soft tissue defect was repaired with anterolateral femoral flap(ALTF) with vascular anastomosis in 2 cases of feet, and local fascia flap was trans-positioned in 4 cases of lower extremity defects. The sizes of repairing flap were 6.0 cm×8.5 cm-16.0 cm×11.0 cm. Two to 7 months after the initial surgery, the customer designed microporous titanium prostheses were used(5 cases with microporous titanium and 1 with microporous tantalum) to repair the bone defects. The wound healing, the integration of metatarsal and tibial fractures with 3D printed microporous titanium(tantalum) prostheses, and the walking condition were observed after surgery. The follow-up lasted from 6 to 25 months, with an average of 12.7 months.Results:The wound healing in 5 patients was good. The patients stood on the foot in 2 months after surgery, started to walk with the assistance of crutch in 3 months after surgery, and took walk without assistance in 5-6 months after surgery. Good osseous integration were achieved. One diabetic patient had infection of foot wound 3 months after surgery. After removal of microporous titanium prosthesis and replacement of vancomycin blended interstitial substance of bone cement, the wound healed and the patient resumed walking.Conclusion:It is an effective method to encourage the patients to take early ambulation after the surgery for lower extremity soft tissue defect with large bone defect that was repaired by a flap and 3D printed microporous titanium(tantalum)prosthesis. Further observations are required to investigate the long-term efficacy, and the reduction of prosthesis infection rate requires further exploration.

Application of 3D printed model assisted network teaching in clinical probation of neurosurgery / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of the 3D printed model assisted network teaching of neurosurgery.Methods:Seventy-six probation students were divided into: 3D printed model assisted online course teaching group (test group) and traditional teaching group (control group). After 1-month online teaching, quantitative assessment and satisfaction survey were carried out. SPSS 17.0 was used for statistical analysis of variance.Results:The department graduation test (theory and operation) scores of students in the test group were (86.7±7.4) points, which was significantly higher than those in the control group (78.2±8.2) points ( t=5.56, P<0.01). The teaching satisfaction survey showed that the test group had significantly higher scores in self-evaluation of spatial imagination ( t=3.81, P<0.01), deepening understanding of neuroanatomy ( t=5.29, P<0.01), and increasing interest in clinical learning ( t=5.12, P<0.01) than those of the control group. Conclusion:Compared with the conventional online teaching methods, 3D printed model assisted online teaching helps to improve teaching quality and students' satisfaction.

Application of 3D printed model in clinical teaching of hip revision / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of 3D printed models assisted teaching method on clinical teaching of hip revision and improve the teaching quality.Methods:Fifty students who were in the standardized training for surgical specialty from Peking University Third Hospital were divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 25 students in each group. The control group was taught by traditional methods, while the experimental group was taught by 3D printed models. After the training, professional theory test and teaching evaluation questionnaire survey were conducted among the members of the two groups, and statistical analysis was made on the students' professional theory test scores, learning interests and teaching satisfaction. SPSS 18.0 was used for t test. Results:The theoretical scores of the experimental group [(84.60±5.76) points] were higher than those of the control group [(78.20±6.90) points], and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The teaching satisfaction and learning interest of the experimental group were both better than those of the control group [(4.72±0.46) vs. (4.28±0.61), (4.76±0.44) vs. (4.28±0.54)], with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The 3D printed model assisted teaching can effectively deepen students' understanding of hip joint structure, improve the teaching quality, and enhance their enthusiasm and initiative in learning.

Application of 3D printed personalized breast bracket in IMRT for breast cancer / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:By comparing the positioning errors caused by 3D printed personalized breast bracket and common headrest in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), the fixation effect of 3D printed personalized breast bracket in IMRT was analyzed.Methods:Thirty-two breast cancer patients from January to July 2021 were randomly divided into a the 3D printed breast bracket group and common headrest group. All patients in two groups were kept in supine position, head tilted to the healthy side, the affected hand held the grip bar on the same side of the horizontal bar, the healthy hand held the opposite side of the vertical bar, and the chest and mandible were fixed with thermoplastic film. CBCT scan was performed weekly, and gray level registration was carried out according to the three registration regions of interest: breast or chest wall field, supraclavicular and inferior field, and axillary field. The positioning errors in the left and right, head and foot, abdomen and back directions were analyzed between two groups.Results:In the 3D printed breast bracket group, the positioning errors of breast or chest wall field, supraclavicular and inferior field and axillary field in the left and right, head and foot, abdomen and back directions were (1.75±1.26), (1.77±1.11) and (1.70±1.08) mm, (1.75±1.25), (1.72±1.09) and (1.70±1.05) mm,(1.86±1.34), (2.14±2.13) and (1.66±1.19) mm, respectively.In the common headrest group, the positioning errors of breast or chest wall field, supraclavicular and inferior field and axillary field in the left and right, the head and feet, the abdomen and back directions were (2.54±1.84), (2.73±3.62) and (2.18±2.45) mm, (3.25±2.02), (3.52±2.26) and (2.62±2.83) mm, (3.25±2.05), (4.44±2.90) and (3.10±3.18) mm, respectively.The positioning errors significantly differed between two groups (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The positioning error of 3D printed personalized breast bracket fixation is less than that of common headrest fixation. The positioning consistency of 3D printed personalized breast bracket in the three target areas of breast or chest wall field, supraclavicular and inferior field and axillary field is better than that of common headrest.

Minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with blunt head technique of Kirschner wire and 3D-printed external template technigue / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of the minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with the blunt head technique of Kirschner wire and 3D-printed external template technique.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted of the clinical data of 21 patients with unstable pelvic fracture who had undergone minimally invasive treatment at Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital from May 2016 to July 2018 using 3D-printed external templates and the blunt head technique of Kirschner wire. There were 7 males and 14 females with an age of 43.6 years (from 19 to 65 years). According to the Tile classification, there were 3 cases of B1, 7 ones of B2, 6 ones of C1 and 5 ones of C2. The intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation time, postoperative fracture reduction and functional recovery of the pelvis at the last follow-up were recorded.Results:The 21 patients were followed up for an average of 16.3 months (from 12 to 24 months). A total of 33 wires were inserted in the 21 patients, including 15 S 1 ones and 18 S 2 ones. The intraoperative fluoroscopy ranged from 13 to 27 times, averaging 21.8 times. The operation time ranged from 65 to 130 min, averaging 88.6 min. The anterior subcutaneous internal fixation was used to fix the anterior ring in 9 patients. No vascular injury occurred during the operation. By the Matta criteria, the postoperative fracture reduction was assessed as excellent in 14 cases, good in 5, and fair in 2, giving an excellent to good rate of 90.5% (19/21). By the Majeed scoring system, the pelvic function at the last follow-up was assessed as excellent in 10 cases, good in 8, and fair in 3, giving an excellent to good rate of 85.7% (18/21). Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury occurred in 2 patients but was recovered by the 3-month follow-up. No other complications were follwed up. Conclusion:The minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with the blunt head technique of Kirschner wire assissted by 3D-printed external templates is safe and effective, showing advatages of reduced fluoroscopic frequency and operation time.

The influence of the maxillary sinus on maxillary posterior tooth endodontic microsurgery / 口腔疾病防治

@#Endodontic microsurgery is one effective method for preserving teeth affected by periapical disease, and is also an essential technique for treating difficult cases. However, due to the restricted operating space at the posterior site and the proximity of the root apex to the maxillary sinus, endodontic surgery in the posterior maxillary area represents great challenges. This article summarizes the anatomical relationship between the maxillary sinus and the maxillary posterior teeth, the influence on endodontic microsurgery, and the application of assistive techniques on maxillary posterior teeth, such as 3D-printed surgical guides and ultrasonic osteotomes. Literature review results show that the spatial relationship between the apex of maxillary posterior teeth and the maxillary sinus is usually divided into three categories: the apex enters the maxillary sinus; the apex contacts the bottom of the maxillary sinus; and there is a distance between the apex and the bottom of the maxillary sinus. CBCT should be performed before the operation, and the periapical state of the tooth and the maxillary sinus and the distance between the lesions and the sinus floor should be considered to evaluate the difficulty of the operation. Meanwhile, during surgery, equipment such as surgical guides, endoscopes and ultrasonic osteotomes should be used to ensure that the operation is safer, reliable, precise and less invasive, but the clinical popularity of ultrasonic osteotomes still needs further promotion. Moreover, high-quality clinical studies on the long-term effects of micro-apical surgery in the posterior maxillary area are still lacking.

Efficacy and dosimetric analysis of CT-guided 125I seed implantation assisted by 3D-printed coplanar template in the treatment of metastatic tumors of chest wall / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the technical method and clinical efficacy of CT-guided radioactive 125I seed implantation (RISI) assisted by 3D-printed coplanar template(3D-PCT) in the treatment of metastatic tumors of chest wall, and analyze the influence of dosimetric parameters on the treatment efficacy. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for 55 patients with metastatic tumors of chest wall treated with 3D-PCT-assisted 125I radioactive seed implantation in Tengzhou Central People′s Hospital from January 2014 to March 2021.Preoperative plans were made using a brachytherapy treatment planning system, and dosimetric parameters were assessed at 3d after surgery. During regular CT reexaminations after surgery, the local control rate and overall survival (OS) rate were calculated and the pain relief degree and complications were assessed. The Logrank test and Cox regression were used for univariate and multivariate analyses of local control time (LCT). Meanwhile, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to analyze the critical values of dosimetric parameters and to predict the LCT. Results:The 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS rates ofthe 55 patients were 72.7% (40/55), 21.8% (12/55), and 16.4% (9/55), respectively.The local control rates of 3, 6, 12, and 24 months were 96.4%(53/55), 86.5%(45/52), 85.0%(34/40), and 91.7%(11/12), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between postoperative and postoperative dosimetric parameters of GTV, particle number, D90, D100, V100, V150, V200, CI, EI, and HI ( P> 0.05). Compared with postoperative V90, the postoperative V90 decreased with a statistically significant difference( P=0.006). As indicated by the univariate Cox regression analysis, the pathological grade, D90, D100, V90, and V200had significant effects on the LCT( P<0.05). Among them, the pathological grade and D90 were independent influencing factors of the LCT, while the other factors showed no statistically significant difference according to the multivariate Cox regression analysis.The LCT of patients with D90≥127 Gy was significantly longer than that of patients with D90<127 Gy (χ 2=16.61, P=0.000). The pain relief rate was 80.8%(21/26) after three months. Five cases suffered from grade Ⅰ-Ⅱ radioactive dermatitis and one case experienced grade Ⅲ radioactive dermatitis. Conclusions:The 3D-PCT-assisted CT-guided 125I radioactive seed implementation can achieve precise and controllable dose and definite efficacy in the treatment of metastatic tumors of chest wall, with few complications.The LCT was remarkably prolonged in the case of D90≥127 Gy, and D90 is an independent influencing factor of the LCT.

Enhanced osseointegration of porous titanium scaffold implanted with preload: an experiment study in rabbits / Osteointegración mejorada de malla de titanio poroso implantada con precarga: un estudio experimental en conejos

Porous titanium alloy scaffold was widely used in treating bone defect caused by traumatic injury and osteomyelitis, which was incapable of self-healing. The implantation of scaffold produced stress shielding thereby forming osteolysis. The objective of this study was to analysis trabecular morphological features of osseointegrated bone. 14 New Zealand rabbits were divided into two groups, surgery group and healthy control group. 7 rabbits in surgery group were selected to perform 3D printed porous titanium alloy scaffold implantation surgery with preload at the defect of femoral condyle for osseointegration. The other 7 rabbits in control group were feed free. After 90 days healing, femoral condyles were extracted to perform micro-CT scanning with hydroxyapatite calibration phantom. Mean bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fraction (BV/TV), BS/TV (bone surface area ratio), Tb.Th (thickness of trabeculae), Tb.N (number of trabeculae), Tb.Sp (trabecular separation) and DA (degree of anisotropy) were calculated from micro-CT images. The results revealed that osseointegration inside and at the surface of scaffolds worked well from grey values of micro-CT images. After 12 weeks healing, mean bone mineral densities (BMD) in surgery group and healthy control group were calculated as 800±20mg/cm3 and 980±90mg/cm3, respectively. This revealed that the strength of trabeculae in surgery group might lower than that in the healthy group. Trabecular morphological parameters test showed that trabecular morphological parameters at the surface of scaffolds in the surgery group deteriorated significantly. It was found from micro-CT images that ingrowth bone was filled with pores of scaffold. Overall, the effect of osseointegration was promoted through the change of mechanical micro-environment in the scaffold region. Overall, preload could improve osseointegration effect in the long-term after surgery. However, the trabecular morphology in the surgery group was deteriorated, which might bring secondary fracture risk again.

La malla de aleación de titanio poroso se usó ampliamente en el tratamiento de defectos óseos causados por lesiones traumáticas y osteomielitis. El implante de la malla generó una protección contra el estrés, formando así osteolisis. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las características morfológicas trabeculares del hueso osteointegrado. Se dividieron 14 conejos (Neozelandeses) en dos grupos, grupo cirugía y grupo control saludable. Se seleccionaron 7 conejos en el grupo de cirugía para realizar una implantación de mallas de aleación de titanio poroso, impresas en 3D con precarga en el defecto del cóndilo femoral para la osteointegración. Los 7 conejos restantes del grupo control se mantuvieron sin alimentación. Después de 90 días de curación, se extrajeron los cóndilos femorales para realizar una exploración por micro-CT con un espectro de calibración de hidroxiapatita. Se calcularon a partir de imágenes de micro-CTDensidad mineral ósea media (DMO), fracción de volumen óseo (BV / TV), BS / TV (relación de área de superficie ósea), Tb.Th (espesor de trabéculas), Tb.N (número de trabéculas), Tb.Sp (trabecular separación) y DA (grado de anisotropía). Los resultados revelaron que la osteointegración dentro y en la superficie de los andamios funcionó bien a partir de los valores grises de las imágenes de micro-CT. Después de 12 semanas de curación, las densidades medias de minerales óseos (DMO) en el grupo cirugía y en el grupo control sano se calcularon como 800 ± 20 mg/cm3 y 980 ± 90 mg/cm3, respectivamente. Esto reveló que la fuerza de las trabéculas en el grupo de cirugía podría ser menor que la del grupo sano. La prueba de parámetros morfológicos trabeculares mostró que en el grupo de cirugía, la superficie de las mallas, se deterioraron significativamente. Se descubrió a partir de imágenes de microCT que el hueso en crecimiento estaba lleno de poros de andamio. En general, el efecto de la osteointegración se promovió mediante el cambio del microambiente mecánico en la región de la malla. En general, la precarga podría mejorar el efecto de osteointegración a largo plazo después de la cirugía. Sin embargo, la morfología trabecular en el grupo de cirugía se deterioró, lo que podría traer un nuevo riesgo de fractura secundaria.

Funcionalidad de prótesis de mano impresa en 3D en adolescentes con amputación congénita parcial de mano: una serie de casos / 3D-printed hand prostheses function in adolescents with congenital hand amputation: a case series

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir el efecto de la prótesis impresa en 3D Cyborg Beast en la funcionalidad de miembros superiores (MMSS) en adolescentes con amputación congénita parcial de mano. Casos Clínicos: Se seleccionaron 5 pacientes entre 12 y 17 años con amputación congénita parcial de mano en el Instituto Teletón Santiago. Los pacientes fueron entrenados en el uso de la prótesis por 4 sesiones. Se evaluó la función basal (sin prótesis), al mes y los 4 meses de uso de la prótesis con la pauta Bilan 400 points modificada y la percepción de funcionalidad de MMSS sin y con prótesis con la "Upper Extremity Function Index (UEFI)". Al mes y 4 meses de uso, el porcentaje de cambio para funcionalidad de mano fue de -11% y -4% para la extremidad no afectada y de -9% y -2% para la afectada. El porcentaje de cambio para la percepción de funcionalidad de MMSS fue de -62%. Conclusiones: El uso de la prótesis de mano Cyborg Beast no fue una solución funcional para los 5 pacientes incluidos en este estudio. Futuras investigaciones son necesarias para poder mejorar la funcionalidad de estos diseños de prótesis impresa en tecnología 3D.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the effect of the 3D-printed Cyborg Beast prosthesis on upper limbs function in adolescents with congenital hand amputation. Clinical Cases: Five patients aged between 12 and 17 years, with congenital hand amputation were selected. All patients were from the Teletón Institute in Santiago, Chile. The patients were trained for prosthesis use in four sessions. Hand function was evaluated without prosthesis, at 1 and 4 months of use with the modified Bilan 400 points scale, and upper limb function perception was evaluated with the 'Upper Extremity Functional Index (UEFI)'. At 1 month and 4 months of use, the percentage change for hand functionality for the unaffected limbs was between -11% and -4%; and -9% and -2% for the affected limb. The percentage change for the upper limbs perceived function was -62%. Conclusions: The use of the 3D-printed Cyborg Beast prosthesis was not a functional solution for the 5 patients included in this study. Future research is needed to improve the functionality of these types of 3D-printed hand prostheses.

Evaluation of a 3D printed female anatomical model for the hands on training of trans-obturator tape (TOT) and tension free vaginal tape (TVT) sling procedures / Evaluación de un modelo anatómico femenino impreso en 3D para el entrenamiento práctico de los procedimientos de cinta trans-obturadora (TOT) y cinta vaginal sin tensión (TVT)

Trans-obturator tape (TOT) and tension free vaginal tape (TVT) procedures are efficient treatment options, which reduce the surgical complications and provide adequate support to urethra in case of increased abdominal pressure to prevent stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect and efficacy of 3D printed female anatomical model on the training of TOT and TVT procedures. A 3D printed female anatomical model was produced for MedTRain3DModSim, Erasmus+ European Union project led by Turkey with the participation of Greece, Italy, Czech Republic and South Korea. Face and content validities of the model evaluated by the participants and the experts respectively. During two learning & teaching & training activities and a multiplier event of the project between 2016 and 2018; 41 medical students, 30 residents and 19 specialists of urology and gynecology were educated and performed TOT and TVT procedures with this model under the mentorship of 3 experts. All participants were assessed and scored for their achievement on both procedures with model according to 7 parameters by the experts. There was no statistical difference between the students and residents for each parameter. All the parameters of the students and specialists were statistically different. 3D anatomical models produced from real data and mimicking different types of tissues are suitable for basic anatomy education of students and residents, hands on training for junior surgeons before cadaveric courses in hybrid education system, surgical planning of the surgeons and informing the patients before the operation.

Los procedimientos de cinta transobturadora (TOT) y cinta vaginal sin tensión (TVT) son opciones de tratamiento eficientes, que reducen las complicaciones quirúrgicas y proporcionan un soporte adecuado a la uretra en caso de aumento de la presión abdominal para prevenir la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo (IUE). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto y la eficacia del modelo anatómico femenino impreso en 3D en el entrenamiento de los procedimientos TOT y TVT. Se produjo un modelo anatómico femenino impreso en 3D para MedTRain3DModSim, proyecto Erasmus + de la Unión Europea dirigido por Turquía con la participación de Grecia, Italia, la República Checa y Corea del Sur. Validez facial y de contenido del modelo fueron evaluados por los participantes y los expertos respectivamente. Durante dos actividades de aprendizaje, enseñanza y capacitación y un evento multiplicador del proyecto entre 2016 y 2018; 41 estudiantes de medicina, 30 residentes y 19 especialistas en urología y ginecología fueron capacitados y realizaron procedimientos TOT y TVT de este modelo bajo la tutoría de 3 expertos. Todos los participantes fueron evaluados y calificados por los expertos, por su logro en ambos procedimientos con el modelo de acuerdo con 7 parámetros. No hubo diferencia estadística entre los estudiantes y los residentes para cada parámetro. Todos los parámetros de los estudiantes y especialistas fueron estadísticamente diferentes. Los modelos anatómicos en 3D producidos a partir de datos reales e imitando diferentes tipos de tejidos son adecuados para la educación básica de anatomía de estudiantes y residentes. Además de ofrecer una capacitación práctica para los cirujanos antes de los cursos cadavéricos en el sistema educativo, y una planificación quirúrgica de los cirujanos e información para los pacientes antes de la cirugía.

Design and validation of a non-biological 3D printed pelvocalyceal system (RIRS BOX) for simulation-based training of flexible ureteroscopy: A stage 2A surgical innovation study

@#In the field of Urology, flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) remains a challenging skill for junior residents to develop due to its steep learning curve. Hence, training models were incorporated into simulation-based training to allow for novice trainees to overcome the learning curve without potentially compromising patient outcomes and minimize complications.@*OBJECTIVE@#To describe the design and test the validity of a non-biological three-dimensional (3D) model of the pelvocalyceal system as a tool for simulation-based training for flexible ureterorenoscopy.@*METHODS@#This was a prospective, quasi-experimental, surgical innovation research stage 2a study conducted in a tertiary government hospital. The retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) box was composed of four siliconized pelvocalyceal systems which were 3D printed using computed tomography urograms of actual patients. Thirty-two urologists were asked to perform flexible ureteroscopy using the RIRS box and were given a questionnaire to assess face and content validity using the Likert scale.@*RESULTS@#The RIRS Box training model showed good face and content validity. The 3D printed pelvocalyceal system was judged to have a close anatomical resemblance to an actual calyceal system. While performing fURS, the RIRS box provided similar pelvocalyceal visualization and instrument handling as in an actual procedure. Majority of participants considered the training model useful for training (75%) and believed that it may improve the RIRS technique (46.8%).@*CONCLUSION@#The RIRS Box training model may help urologists improve the manner in which they acquire technical knowledge and skills necessary in performing fURS.