“Brain Surgery” is a (just hearing it) terrifying topic for many people, which is not wrong to think that way because until now, we may not have known about “3D Printing Skull Reconstruction Surgery” or the use of 3D printing technology as an innovative treatment for brain patients that can complete the entire process within the hospital. It helps save time in surgery and recovery, and patients can return to normal life quickly. It can be said that brain surgery is no longer a terrifying matter… anymore.
What are the benefits of 3D Printing?
3D Printing, or the surgery to close and repair missing parts of the skull using this 3D printing technology, is an advancement in medical surgery by using innovative printers that help make personalized skull reconstruction easier and aesthetically fitting the shape of each individual’s skull. It also closely matches the original anatomy to reduce time, pain from surgery, and help patients recover and take care of themselves quickly. Because 3D Printing can create detailed models of various organs and produce devices with sizes and shapes customized precisely for each individual. Besides artificial skulls, it also includes facial bones (maxillofacial bone), jawbones (mandible), such as patients with tumors in the skull, facial bones, or jaw, patients with head and facial bone injuries, and it can also develop other prosthetic organs such as prosthetic arms and legs for some disabled patients to fit perfectly with the missing parts.
Which treatments are suitable for 3D Printing?
Because this realistic 3D Printing skull surgery is designed to be personalized, highly accurate, reduces the risk of infection, increases confidence, and ensures maximum safety for patients to restore them to normal condition beautifully without scars, it is an interesting treatment option for brain patients, especially the following groups:
- Patients who have previously undergone surgery to remove part of the skull, such as brain swelling, severe accidents, skull and brain tumors
- Patients who need surgery to remove part of the skull
- Patients experiencing anterior temporal hollowing from brain or skull surgery in the facial area
How 3D Printing works in the treatment process
In the treatment of brain surgery patients, doctors will assess suitability, then use high-resolution brain CT scans to obtain data on existing and missing parts before proceeding to the treatment step using 3D Printing. This process involves using 3D software to simulate and input data into the 3D printer. The machine then prints prototypes and skull molds into physical models. Next, the materials go through sterilization, and finally, the patient is prepared for surgery in the next step.
The Neurology and Brain Disease Center has introduced the innovative 3D Printing skull reconstruction surgery to treat brain patients in collaboration with specialized medical teams to provide comprehensive care for brain and neurological diseases, fulfilling the commitment that “We are ready to care for every complexity.”
