Application of computer-assisted 3D printing techniques in electrode placement during sacral neuromodulation / 第二军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the application and efficacy of 3D printing technology of computed tomography 3D reconstruction and computer-assisted design in sacral neuromodulation. Methods: This is a randomized, controlled, prospective study. From March 2017 to March 2018, 15 candidates for sacral neuromodulation were randomized into traditional puncture group (n=10) and 3D printing group (n = 5). X-ray guided electrode placement was used in the traditional puncture group, and 3D printing navigation template puncture was applied in the 3D printing group. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was evaluated. Puncture time, needle insertion times, intraoperative adjustment and testing time, and postoperative complications (such as wound bleeding, wound infection, wound dehiscence, electrode breakage, displacement or prolapse) were assessed. Results: There were no significant differences in gender, age, sacral neural foramen size, sacrococcygeal deformity, or disease type between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with those in the traditional puncture group, the puncture time, needle insertion times, intraoperative adjustment and testing time were significantly decreased in the 3D printing group ([9.10 ± 2.73] min vs [26.20 ± 5.67] min, 3.20 ± 0.84 vs 5.30±1.30, [20.80 ± 3.27] min vs [27.60 ± 4.63] min; t=6.301, 3.255, 2.916; all P<0.05). Complications such as wound infection, wound bleeding, wound dehiscence, electrode breakage, displacement or prolapse, or pain of stimulator, were not found after operation. Conclusion: Compared with traditional method, computer-assisted 3D printing technology is safe in sacral neuromodulation. It can reduce the needle insertion times, shorten the puncture time, and improve the efficiency of intraoperative adjustment and testing.