Computer designed body parts

3D technology used to design prosthetic body parts.

A new group called CARTIS (Centre for Applied Reconstructive Technologies in Surgery) has been formed to bring engineers and medical clinicians together to design and build replacement body parts for patients.
 
The partnership, based in Cardiff has used SensAble Technologies' haptic system, FreeForm, to produce 3D models of the part on screen.
 
Previously, accuracy demanded that all parts were constructed using a series of casts which were then used to make the part.
 
Explaining the technology to The Engineer, Peter Evans, a consultant in maxillary facial prosthetics at Morriston Hospital, said: “With FreeForm, we can input data from a patient's CT scan or use a 3D MD scanner. We take the shape of the remaining ear, reverse the image and then place it in the correct position on the target site.
 
“We do it all on-screen so it can be done before the patient even comes in to see us, saving time. We email the model to PDR to construct it in wax using a prototyping printer. The wax ear is then fitted directly on to the patient, any adjustments are made and it goes to crafting to make the final prosthesis.”

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