State of the art 3D Printer arrives!

State of the art 3D Printer arrives!

A State of the art 3D printer has now arrived at the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust thanks to your charitable donations.

Your fantastic support has enabled us to help the Maxillofacial Laboratory within the Head & Neck Department    to purchase a 3D printer, which has software to produce models of bones to help keep our hospital be at the forefront of medical innovation to give our patients the best possible care.

This technology can now be used pre-operatively for patients having reconstructive surgery amongst other uses.

Mr Robin Thorpe, Principal Maxillofacial Prosthetist, explains:

“The software allows us to take a CT scan and convert it into a detailed 3D object.

“Using 3D images from a CT scan, together with this new equipment, allows the images to be printed as a three-dimensional plastic model. This means that the bones and joints can be examined dynamically, in different positions, rather than just the position when the CT scan was taken.

“It also helps us to plan surgery, discussing the various options available , and deciding on the most appropriate treatment  – all prior to surgery.”

The team has also used the printer to create models of bones to plan for surgery on a patient who needed their jaw reconstructed.

Mr Thorpe said: “The 3D printed models can also be used as a visual aid allowing  the Clinical team  to explain procedures and  complicated surgery to patients giving them more of an  understanding of their treatment  in an easily accessible way.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this technology, and very grateful to the charity and its fundraisers for this support.”