Craniofacial and cranial procedures will now be included in the Virtual Surgical Planning Service of 3D Systems Corporation (NYSE:DDD). Virtual Surgical Planning Cranial allows for the creation of virtual pre-surgical plans by surgeons. When surgeons use VSP Cranial in sensitive and complex procedures, they are able to familiarize themselves with the specific anatomy of a patient. The basic intention is the facilitation of the pre-surgical planning process and ultimately transferring that plan to the operating room. Improved surgical outcomes are thus possible when surgeons are supplied with accurate 3D printed surgical guides and informative digital tools.
Patient-specific surgical plan
Surgical simulation, 3D printing and medical image processing are combined in the Virtual Surgical Planning Service to come up with surgical plans that are particular to a specific patient. This is done following the directions of the presiding doctor. 3D anatomical data is extracted by 3D Systems’ engineers using CT scans and it is then transformed into 3D images. These 3D images are then used to devise a digital surgical plan which enables surgeons to visualize the procedure they are going to perform more effectively.
To assist in coming up with a virtual surgical plan, 3D Systems’ engineers hold an online meeting with the surgical team. Once the plan has been created, tools that are specific to the patient such as positioning guides, anatomical models, and marking guides are 3D-printed using stereolithography printers.
Various procedures
A variety of craniofacial cases are supported by the VSP Cranial service. This includes procedures that have to do with craniosynostosis and those that require cranial vault distraction.
“[VSP Cranial] now plays an integral role in many of our combined intracranial cases. 3D Systems’ engineers make the process seamless, especially for physicians who may be less familiar with these applications,” revealed Dr. Oren Tepper, a plastic surgery professor and a practicing aesthetic surgeon.
3D Systems will be exhibiting its healthcare solutions including VSP Cranial at the upcoming American Society for Craniofacial Surgery Symposium in Maui, Hawaii.
In Thursday’s trading shares of 3D Systems Corporation jumped by 5.59% to close the day at $17.00.
