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Entire skull replaced by 3D printed copy
#1
The continuing development of 3-D printing technology in biomedicine has been further demonstrated by doctors in the University Medical Center in Utrecht in the Netherlands who have recently carried out the first skull transplant using parts that were generated from a 3-D printer. The procedure was carried out on a young woman who had been suffering from a condition whereby extra bone grew on the inside of her skull, exerting severe pressure on her brain. Before the procedure, the woman had been experiencing severe headaches and was suffering negative effects on her eyesight and coordination.

The doctors worked with an Australian 3D printing firm called Anatomics. The first step was to take CT scans of the woman’s skull and then print out an acrylic copy, which was modified to remove the excess growth. Surgeons then removed most of the woman’s cranium and replaced it with the printed copy. While surgical procedures to remove parts of the skull in cases of severe cranial swelling are not unusual, removal and implantation of an entire skull had not been attempted before.

The chief surgeons in this procedure, were Dr Bon Verweij and Dr Marvick Muradin. Dr Verweij explained that previously implants have been created in the operating theatre using a type of cement, but these types of implants have issues with, for example, poor fit. He went on to say: "Now, these parts can be precisely created using 3D printing. This not only offers large cosmetic benefits, but patients often have better brain function compared to the old method."

The efficacy of the procedure in this case is attested to by the fact that three months later the young woman is now back at work and suffering no ill effects or any visible scarring. Her eyesight has been fully restored.

Sources:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/3d-printed-skul...nt-1441924

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/03/29/...stic_copy/
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#2
It’s amazing that additive manufacturing can save lives and help the medical industry. I heard synthetic rubber and silicone-based lubricants help people in need of cosmetic facial replacement via 3D printing. Other 3D printing materials like plastic filaments will be a great tool for medical school like printing human skull, skeletons and vital organs. Take a look at this example: http://www.3d2print.net/shop/blog/cool/h...new-skull/. This is made from http://www.3d2print.net/shop/product/pla-white-1-75mm/
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