Laser Modelling Israel (LMI), a rapid prototyping service provider, generated 3D-printed anatomical models that supported doctors in a challenging segmentation procedure for conjoined twins.
The surgeons practised on the finely detailed 3D printed models developed using HP’s Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology before the surgery.
which was expected to be extremely difficult with multiple complications.
“HP’s 3D printing technology is immensely beneficial not only to medical work we perform but also to the various industries we operate in,” LMI Founder Arie Kalo stated.
“It gives me great pleasure to see our products and solutions come to life.”
HP’s MJF technology is being installed.
LMI has provided rapid prototyping and manufacturing services to several high-tech companies in Israel since its founding in 1998.
The company has manufactured 3D objects for a variety of industries, including medical, military, and consumer goods.
To fulfil requests, the company initially purchased an SLA 3D printer but later got interested in HP’s MJF 3D printing technology as a superior alternative.
Since then, To accommodate increased demand during the COVID-19 outbreak, LMI has deployed an HP MJF 217 computer and recently purchased a third HP MJF 4200 system.
The precision of the MJF 4200 is “invaluable” to LMI’s 3D printing services. according to the company, because the machine’s in-printer quality checks help to minimize errors and enable quick, accurate tracking of a job’s development.
These advantages are especially beneficial in the manufacture of medical models, and LMI has used these skills in various joint venture collaborations with hospitals.
LMI Using 3D printed models to separate conjoined twins
The groundbreaking segmentation surgery for two conjoined twins who were conjoined at the head is one of the most significant projects in which LMI has applied its medical knowledge.
LMI collaborated with Limor Haviv, a surgical 3D printing expert and the founder of 3D4OP, as part of the operation’s preparation
Haviv works as an in-house surgical specialist in hospitals around Israel, assisting surgeons in the preparation of procedures by creating models based on CT and MRI scans of patients.
LMI produces her designs regularly on its fleet of HP MJF printers, allowing Haviv to provide medical models to hospitals as soon as they are needed.
For the segmentation operation, LMI and Haviv partnered to build and print a model of the twins using an HP MJF 4200 machine using Pl12 and CPU materials.
The partners used HP’s 3D printing technology to create the model’s body, skin, and skull, while a softer substance was used to create the more complex sections, such as the veins.
The surgeons were able to mimic the surgical operation as realistically as possible by fabricating the models such that they could be attached by magnets and be mobile.
Benefits of the MJF technology
According to LMI, MJF technology was ideally suited for this application because the parts produced by the technology are both affordable and repeatable.
This was especially beneficial in the case of the twins’ segmentation surgery since LMI was able to quickly construct different-sized models as the twins developed.
The MJF 4200 allowed many models to be manufactured in a single assembly, avoiding the need to print multiple separate parts, which would slow down the manufacturing process.
Another advantage of using MJF technology for model creation was the materials utilized, which allowed the model to be painted in the colour of skin tones. The material also allowed the model to be sanitized, allowing it to be securely put near the operation room.
“HP’s technology has an incredible resolution,” Haviv added.
“It lets us view all of the fine details, including little bones.”
The density of each bone may also be reproduced for each patient, which is extremely useful for medical professionals.”
How 3D printing helps surgery
3D printing can help in surgery. Anatomical modelling is one of the most common uses of 3D printing in the medical field, with a rising number of medical centers and hospitals setting up their 3D printing labs.
3D printed models, when combined with 3D scanning and X-ray technologies, can provide a much more accessible, affordable, and customizable alternative to cadavers.
for example, and have proven useful in better preparing surgeons for complex surgery.
3D printing technologies,
like Mimaki’s, may create anatomical models with previously impossible levels of color fidelity and, in certain situations, save several hours in operating time.
In addition, an increasing number of 3D printing firms are obtaining ISO certification and FDA permission for their 3D printed models.
Point-of-care Stratasys and Ricoh USA have combined their respective specialities to fast deliver 3D printed models to healthcare institutions, and Fast Radius and Axial3D have devised a new ‘DICOM-to-print’ service for surgeons and hospitals across North America.
