Use  of 3D Printing in Veterinary Field

Use  of 3D Printing in Veterinary Field

3D printing technologies are constantly reaching new, niche areas, where there’s a need for custom-built objects. We find out about those remarkable applications on a regular basis. Today, we have a story about Maciej Szczepański, a student from Wrocław, Poland, who has successfully brought a modern technology to the animal world with an incredible mission in mind. The principle of three-dimensional printing represents a revolution in the field of the manufacture of objects. Thanks to the addition of material layer by layer, this process makes it possible to obtain geometries that are much more complex and new than what was possible before. Imagination is almost the only limit to what can be produced with a three dimensional printer (Giansetto, 2015). Initially, three-dimensional printing was used in the field of industry, more   particularly for prototyping, since its high cost does not allow it to be accessible to a wider audience. Then, as the technology developed, it became more affordable, which allowed to expand its scope. Archaeologists have become more and more interested in it (Giansetto, 2015), followed by doctors and educators. Whether it is for printing old objects, implants, prostheses and living tissues, or even powerful learning tools, three-dimensional printing is now used in many fields. To carry out this study and according to the context described above, a presentation of the different applications of this technology in veterinary medicine will be made, highlighting the considerable contribution of this technology in the medical field (Preece et al., 2013; Hespel et al., 2014; Anna et al., 2018; Li et al., 2018).

The use of 3D printing in veterinary medicine is increasing due to both recent technological advancements and decreasing costs. Using data acquired during clinical imaging studies and either onsite desktop printers or remote printing services, this technology can be incorporated into clinical service to improve diagnosis and treatment of disease and client understanding and satisfaction. 3D printing is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the healthcare field, both for humans and in the veterinary sector. Also known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing is being used by more vets everyday to cope with anything from implants to prosthetics to tissue replacements.

Vets are slowly turning to these 3D printing medical devices because of the cost savings and the flexibility of the device to create any desired shape. There is no virtual library with limited designs; anything put into the platform can be produced in minutes, or hours for larger products.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is the production of a solid object from a digital image file. Also known as rapid prototyping, 3D printing was originally patented by Charles Hull in 1986 and named “sterolithography”. There are currently six general types of 3D printers, all of which use additive methods to create a volume (object) by the addition of numerous small layers. The benefit of this production method, as opposed to cutting or carving an object from a solid block, is that there is essentially no limit to the shape of the object one can create.

How 3D Printing Works

Each 3D printer has differing capabilities, but for veterinary medicine, the list of materials varies depending on what is being produced. But perhaps the most surprising available material is living cells.

These living cells allow the vets to print natural tissue, filled with cells and fluids. With this innovation, damaged tissue in animals could be repaired by using living cells in additive manufacturing.

Other materials used in veterinary 3D printing include:

• Plastic
• Metal
• Ceramic
• Glass
• Resin
• Nylon
• Stainless Steel
• Titanium

With additive manufacturing being relatively new to the veterinary medicine space, we’ve only began to scratch the surface of its possibilities. However, the process is already down to a science.

3D Printing Process:

1. Gather 2D info from CT scans and x-rays
2. Import the info into a Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
3. CAD virtually designs two-dimensional models
4. Models are fitted and sized to the selected dimensions
5. Software sends the information to the 3D printer

The printer will then create the model in minutes or hours, depending on the complexity or size of the model. This process is basically standard throughout the entire additive manufacturing industry, but the materials vary for each system.

How does one 3D print?

Three general steps are required to produce any 3D model. Volumetric data must be first be acquired, then edited, and finally saved in a form that can be printed. While there are several types of data acquisition, only transmissive scanning is used routinely in a medical setting and is most commonly performed using data acquired from computed tomographic (CT) studies. The parameters to acquire data for 3D printing are the same as that used in a clinical setting, with one important caveat that the study must produce isotropic data. Isotropic data consist of voxels (essentially 3D pixels) with equal lengths on all sides, producing a cube. Ideally, thin slices (1mm) are also used. The imaging (DICOM) data from the study are then edited using various methods, such as thresholding and segmentation. Thresholding allows for isolation of specific tissues based on density. For instance, one can choose to only print bone. Segmentation is the removal of undesirable information, such as an endotracheal tube. The result of the editing process is a file, known as a “mesh” that can be read by 3D printer software. The file type required for printing is called surface tessellation language (.stl), which is the same file type used in engineering and architectural drawings (CAD). Though there is certainly variation based on the size of the object and the type of printer, most models for use in clinical practice can be madein less than 24 hours. There are also remote printing services where one can send DICOM data or mesh to be printed for a small fee. Software to perform these steps is available for purchase, but open source (free) versions are also available. 3D printers typically come with their own proprietary software for the actual printing process.

Clinical applications of 3D printing

Though still in its infancy, the clinical uses for 3D models in veterinary medicine are broad. The most common is rehearsing complex orthopedic and neurosurgical procedures, which allows for decreased surgical time, increased surgeon confidence, and fewer patient complications. Models can be sterilized and used in the operating room or used prior to surgery to contour implants. 3D models can also increase client understanding of surgical procedures and expected outcomes.

The use of 3d printer in veterinary medicine

The majority of applications in the field of veterinary medicine can be classified into the following categories: educational tools (anatomical models for medical education), surgical planning, personalized implants, prosthetic limbs and tissue, and organ bioprinting which is currently limited to the field of research.

Applications in Veterinary Clinics

The possibilities are endless with something as vast as 3D printing and veterinary clinics are beginning to use them in practice. They utilize additive manufacturing mainly in preparation for surgeries or to build specific animal prosthetics for their furry little patients.

Vets will typically 3D print specific internal areas of their patients when preparing for a surgery in order to practice the procedure. The model also has the same measurements as the actual animal so the vet can practice with the correct instruments and tools for making precise incisions.

This gives the vet an exact idea of the animal they will be performing surgery on, giving them an exact model replica to prepare for before performing the actual surgery on your precious little family member.

Prosthetics and Orthotics

Much like with humans, prosthetics are becoming increasingly popular in the animal world, especially with the innovations in veterinary medicine.

The first 3D prosthetic made for a dog occurred in 2014 when 3D Systems fitted Derby, a young dog from South Carolina, prosthetics because he suffered from no front paws. This was great because the process was quick, cheap, and can be adjusted at any time with the flexibility and speed of additive manufacturing.

Other limbs can also be produced with 3D printing, such as:

• Hind legs – Dog
• Legs – Parrot
• Titanium beak – Macaw
• Jaw – Sea Turtle

Masks Post-Surgery

One of the other most popular practices in additive manufacturing is printing masks for animals after a surgery. Think of these as those funny-looking cones dogs must wear post-surgery to avoid reinjuring the wound.

These masks are also made by 3D printing for the bones and joints to heal. They prevent the dog from scratching their face or any other area that needs recovering.

Veterinarians also suggest you look after your pet’s teeth and brush them daily to avoid diseases!

Benefits of 3D Printing

We’ve already discussed most of the benefits of additive manufacturing above but there’s even more than what we already went over!

Top Benefits of 3D Printing for Vet Use:

• Plan for Procedures with Models
• Customizable Tools to use During Surgeries
• Models for Bone Replacement
• Creates Prosthetics
• Orthopedic Implants
• Overall Decreases surgery time

Not only does 3D printing aid in these areas, but it provides peace-of-mind to the owners of the puppers and kitties because of the increased practice with 3D models going into procedures. The model also provides increased diagnosis for internal issues or structural damage with the bones or vertebrae.

Teaching applications of 3D printing

3D models can be used to teach anatomy and are particularly useful for structures considered small, inaccessible, and complex, such as those within the equine hoof. Students report that the use of models is more enjoyable than other traditional learning methods. Using models with known pathology is an ideal way to introduce surgical techniques without live patients and to allow trainees to practice complicated procedures, standardizing teaching and assessment.

Limitations

Time is the biggest limitation to routinely incorporating 3D printing into clinical practice. Learning and executing the steps to create a mesh, as well as the printing itself, are all time consuming. With increasing availability of affordable desktop models and materials, the cost of a printer itself is typically not a major limitation. However, the size of the model one can print with a desktop printer is limited. For instance, a full size equine distal phalanx can be made to scale, but a pelvis cannot. This is partially mitigated by scaling down the models or printing the models in several parts and then assembling them. At New Bolton Center, we can acquire CT images of standing horses, allowing the print to be made prior to anesthetizing the patient. In equine surgery specifically, most facilities cannot perform a CT of a horse without general anesthesia and the imaging study and the surgery are performed during one anesthetic period.

3D printing is an exciting area of development in veterinary medicine. Its use will likely continue to accelerate with the increased availability of standing CT and improvement in 3D printing materials and technology.

3D printing service or additive manufacturing has been around since the 1980s and is currently impacting several industries in the medical field due to its flexibility and cost-saving potential. 3D printing service in veterinary medicine allows surgeons to practice a surgery before performing it on a live patient and aids in a more conducive way of communication between patients and clinicians. With the help of printers and CAD software, 3D printing DICOM files can produce a replica in a variety of materials that bear an accurate likeness to the actual anatomical structure.

Because of the development of 3D printing in India over the years, Online 3D printing India in veterinary medicine has found multiple uses and applications and is growing in popularity. Additionally, online 3D printing services in veterinary medicine have led to significant changes in the way surgical procedures are now performed on pets. Keep reading to find out more about the impact of 3D printing Bangalore in veterinary medicine today.

HOW IT WORKS

Using information from CT scans and x-rays, software of a computer-aided design (CAD) program is used to virtually design two-dimensional drawings or three-dimensional models which can be manipulated to fit the individual needs of the veterinary patient. The software information is then applied and utilized by the 3-D printer in order to create a dimensionally correct model that can be used in many applications through affordable 3D Printing services in India.

The 3-D model begins on a flat base. From the base, the printer extrudes layer upon layer of material in specific dimensions by following the CAD program’s instructions.

The list of materials available for use in 3D printing companies continues to grow, and includes, for example:

• Plastic
• Resin
• Metal
• Ceramic
• Glass
• Living cells

BENEFITS OF 3-D PRINTING SERVICE

Utilizing 3-D printing service in India within veterinary medicine provides multiple advantages. Having a physical model of accurate dimensions that can be held and viewed from all angles helps to:

• Plan for procedures by identifying abnormalities and/or damage
• Customize instruments and devices for use before procedures
• Create surgical incision templates
• Produce models for bone replacement
• Facilitate the assessment of tumor removal
• Create prosthetic devices
• Design orthopedic implant devices
• Aid in reconstruction surgeries
• Decrease surgery time, which:
  • Decreases time an animal is under anesthesia
  • Decreases risks of infection

3-D printing services in India can also provide a benefit to veterinarians and staff when consulting with a client over their pet’s care.  For example, having an actual model of their animal’s broken bone will help to explain the damage and the process required for treatment. Not only will the model aid the veterinarian in their diagnosis and determination of the right type of procedure, but it will also support their decision when discussing the animal’s needs with the client.

USE IN EDUCATION

Three examples of utilizing a 3-D printer for educational use in the veterinary field include:

• The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 3-D printed models of bones created for veterinary student use to learn the procedures and gain the surgical skills required:
    • To fix broken bones
      • CT scans of the actual bones of canine patients were used to create 3-D printer models
    • To correct bone deformities in dogs caused by either abnormal development or trauma
  • University of Pennsylvania
    • PennDesign’s Fabrication Lab works on online 3D Printing services in a collaborative effort with the School of Veterinary Medicine
      • 3-D Model replications of animals with skull injuries or deformities are being used to improve student training and patient care
        • Models offer the opportunity to practice surgical procedures before the start of an operation
        • Full-colored models may advance surgical methods by distinguishing blood vessels and tissues

APPLICATIONS IN CLINIC USE

Actual examples of the utilization of 3D Printing service for use by veterinarians include:

• Life-size 3-D model printingof a Yorkshire terrier’s vertebrae in preparation of performing ventral atlantoaxial stabilization
  • Model gave veterinarian opportunity to:
    • Practice procedure
    • Refine the measurements needed for the instruments and tools
  • 3-D model from a CT image of a horse with a comminuted orbital fracture
    • Model allowed veterinarian:
    • Opportunity to study the damage
    • Be more precise with incisions
    • Understand how to efficiently move the bones back into place

Research paving the way

3D printing online in the veterinary field is currently mostly used for research purposes. For example, the technology allows surgeons to view a model of an injured body part, such as a hip joint. This helps the doctor make preliminary decisions prior to operating.

Researchers also use the technology to their advantage to make further discoveries in veterinary medicine. Animal Wellness Magazine reports that Alexis Noel, a doctoral candidate in mechanical engineering, made an enlarged 3D mimic of a cat’s tongue in order to more closely study the mechanics of the Velcro-like “spines” that characterize the feline tongue.

While you might naturally connect 3D printing service in India in medicine as aiding with animal prosthetics, the applications far exceed one area. Some veterinarians focus their research on understanding how online 3D printing Bangalore can be applied to studying veterinary disease.

After studying the major technologies available in the field of three-dimensional printing and the different applications of these technologies in the different sectors of education and the world of health in general, we can see that this revolutionary process deserves attention and constitutes an interesting line of research for the future. More particularly, in the field of veterinary medicine, the advantages of 3D printing can be enormous, not only for the preparation of complex surgical procedures or in the osteology program of students but also as a tool for communication with customers, as well as for the manufacture of implants and prosthetic limbs. However, great efforts still need to be made, particularly in the area of bioprinting and the production of living tissues and organs. In the field of health, the most promising aim of threedimensional printing would indeed be tosucceed in producing living organs, but it is still far from being achieved due to the complexity of building such an object. Bioprinting remains a very interesting and very encouraging field of research because of the medical revolution it could bring. It is also necessary that this technology has a legal framework more determined in order to avoid any drift of ethics or concerning the security of people and ideas because almost everything can be copied and printed by three-dimensional printing.

Compiled  & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)

Image-Courtesy-Google

Reference-On Request.