Prevention of late postpneumonectomy complications using a 3D printed lung in dog models

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for prevention of postpneumonectomy syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Postpneumonectomy syndrome is a pathological condition consisting in a persistent violation of the function of external respiration caused by the inflection of the trachea and/or the main bronchus and manifested by respiratory insufficiency.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

The article describes a method of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for intraoperative prevention of the development of postpneumonectomy syndrome by installing a mesh implant in a patient with central cancer of the right lung.

DISCUSSION

The range of alternatives that have been put forth for the treatment and prevention of the emergence of postpneumonectomy syndrome, on the one hand, demonstrates the relevance of the issue and, on the other, demonstrates the inadequate outcomes of the employed techniques.

CONCLUSION

As a result of a mesh implant that is rigidly linked to the ribs, the preventative strategy we describe reliably prevents mediastinal displacement and doesn't necessitate repeated surgical intervention.

The accuracy of computed tomography scans for rapid prototyping of canine skulls

This study’s objective was to determine the accuracy of using current computed tomography (CT) scan and software techniques for rapid prototyping by quantifying the margin of error between CT models and laser scans of canine skull specimens. Twenty canine skulls of varying morphology were selected from an anatomy collection at a veterinary school. CT scans (bone and standard algorithms) were performed for each skull, and data segmented (testing two lower threshold settings of 226HU and -650HU) into 3-D CT models. Laser scans were then performed on each skull. The CT models were compared to the corresponding laser scan to determine the error generated from the different types of CT model parameters. This error was then compared between the different types of CT models to determine the most accurate parameters. The mean errors for the 226HU CT models, both bone and standard algorithms, were not significant from zero error (p = 0.1076 and p = 0.0580, respectively). The mean errors for both -650HU CT models were significant from zero error (p < 0.001). Significant differences were detected between CT models for 3 CT model comparisons: Bone (p < 0.0001); Standard (p < 0.0001); and -650HU (p < 0.0001). For 226HU CT models, a significant difference was not detected between CT models (p = 0.2268). Independent of the parameters tested, the 3-D models derived from CT imaging accurately represent the real skull dimensions, with CT models differing less than 0.42 mm from the real skull dimensions. The 226HU threshold was more accurate than the -650HU threshold. For the 226HU CT models, accuracy was not dependent on the CT algorithm. For the -650 CT models, bone was more accurate than standard algorithms. Knowing the inherent error of this procedure is important for use in 3-D printing for surgical planning and medical education.

3D Printed Anatomical Nerve Regeneration Pathways

An imaging-coupled 3D printing methodology for the design, optimization, and fabrication of a customized nerve repair technology for complex injuries is presented. The custom scaffolds are deterministically fabricated via a microextrusion printing principle which enables the simultaneous incorporation of anatomical geometries, biomimetic physical cues, and spatially controlled biochemical gradients in a one-pot 3D manufacturing approach.