Procedure Increasing the Accuracy of Modelling and the Manufacturing of Surgical Templates with the Use of 3D Printing Techniques, Applied in Planning the Procedures of Reconstruction of the Mandible

AI-Based Support System for Monitoring the Quality of a Product within Industry 4.0 Paradigm

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM), has already shown its potential in the fourth technological revolution (Industry 4.0), demonstrating remarkable applications in manufacturing, including of medical devices. The aim of this publication is to present the novel concept of support by artificial intelligence (AI) for quality control of AM of medical devices made of polymeric materials, based on the example of our own elbow exoskeleton. The methodology of the above-mentioned inspection process differs depending on the intended application of 3D printing as well as 3D scanning or reverse engineering. The use of artificial intelligence increases the versatility of this process, allowing it to be adapted to specific needs. This brings not only innovative scientific and technological solutions, but also a significant economic and social impact through faster operation, greater efficiency, and cost savings. The article also indicates the limitations and directions for the further development of the proposed solution.

Innovative Application of Three-Dimensional-Printed Breast Model-Aided Reduction Mammaplasty

Symptomatic macromastia places a severe physical and psychological burden on patients. Reduction mammaplasty is the primary treatment; however, conventional surgery may lead to postoperative nipple-areolar complex necrosis due to damage to the dominant supplying arteries. In this study, we designed and fabricated an innovative, three-dimensional-printed breast vascular model to provide surgical guidance for reduction mammaplasty. Preoperative computed tomography angiography scanning data of patients were collected. The data were then processed and reconstructed using the E3D digital medical modeling software (version 17.06); the reconstructions were then printed into a personalized model using stereolithography. The three-dimensional-printed breast vascular model was thus developed for individualized preoperative surgical design. This individualized model could be used to intuitively visualize the dominant supplying arteries’ spatial location in the breasts, thereby allowing effective surgical planning for reduction mammaplasty. The three-dimensional-printed breast vascular model can therefore provide an individualized preoperative design and patient education, avoid necrosis of the nipple-areolar complex, shorten operation duration, and ensure safe and effective surgery in patients.