Customised 3D Printing: An Innovative Training Tool for the Next Generation of Orbital Surgeons

Orbit. 2015;34(4):216-9. doi: 10.3109/01676830.2015.1049367. Epub 2015 Jun 29.

Abstract

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is the process by which three dimensional data fields are translated into real-life physical representations. 3D printers create physical printouts using heated plastics in a layered fashion resulting in a three-dimensional object. We present a technique for creating customised, inexpensive 3D orbit models for use in orbital surgical training using 3D printing technology. These models allow trainee surgeons to perform 'wet-lab' orbital decompressions and simulate upcoming surgeries on orbital models that replicate a patient's bony anatomy. We believe this represents an innovative training tool for the next generation of orbital surgeons.

Keywords: 3D Printing; decompression; education orbit; training.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Models, Anatomic*
  • Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / education*
  • Orbit / surgery*
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional*