Creating 3D Printed Assistive Devices for Amputated Patients in Sierra Leone
#3Dscanning and #3dprinting technology have revolutionized healthcare, making it possible to produce customized assistive devices such as prostheses at a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing methods. In Western Africa, where access to healthcare is often limited, 3DSierra Leone , a non-profit organization, is using this technology to provide affordable and personalized prostheses to amputees.
About 3D Sierra Leone
The organization was founded by a Dutch research group that created the 3D Printing in Developing Countries Foundation with the goal of providing low-cost, custom-made 3D-printed prostheses and a streamlined workflow for local staff. Western African countries face a severe lack of medical staff and infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where patients are often isolated from healthcare. This lack of infrastructure can be attributed to a mix of factors such as a civil war and an Ebola outbreak. Of the existing medical workforce, over two-thirds practice in urban areas, leaving rural communities even more isolated from healthcare.
The 3D Sierra Leone project has mainly involved the design and production of affordable prostheses in response to the high number of amputations in Sierra Leone. Amputations are common in the country due to various reasons, including infections, complex wounds, traffic accidents, and excessively long waiting times for consultations.
3D Scanning and AI in Creating 3D Printed Assistive
The organization uses the SHINING 3D EinScan series , which are portable and easy-to-use handheld solutions that enable non-contact 3D scanning of the patient’s limb. This allows the team to quickly capture and process data, with the entire process taking only about 15 minutes, including preparing the scanner and clinically inspecting the stump. The 3D data is then processed using bespoke 3DMedX software, which has an AI-based algorithm that predicts the shape of the prosthetic socket based on past cases and patients. This saves time and makes it easy to onboard and train new staff, regardless of their level of IT prosthetic knowledge.
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Once the design is complete, UltiMaker 3D printers are used to build objects in 3D using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology, enabling the creation of prostheses in around 12 to 14 hours. The cost-efficient 3D printing method reduces the cost of production to about 100 euros per device, which is affordable for the organization. For patients, the final price is only around 15 euros, making it affordable for those in need.
The organization has been successful in providing affordable, 3D-printed assistive devices and is well on its way to serving even more patients. The donated #3Dscanners from SHINING 3D have been instrumental in this project, and the organization is looking forward to continuing the collaboration in the long term.
One of the most significant benefits of 3D printing technology is that it allows for the creation of customized prostheses at an affordable cost. Traditional manufacturing methods require a mold or cast to be made for each patient, which is time-consuming and expensive. With 3D printing, a digital design of the prosthetic can be created and printed within hours. This not only reduces the cost of production but also significantly reduces the lead time for the patient to receive their prosthesis.
The success of the 3D Sierra Leone project has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), receiving a special prize at the WHO’s 2022 Health for All Film Festival. The organization is now working to further scale its activities and serve even more patients, hoping to expand its reach to other developing countries in need of custom-fit assistive devices at a low cost.
Conclusion
3D Sierra Leone is a shining example of how 3D scan-to-print technology can be used to provide affordable and personalized solutions to those in need. The project has been successful in providing customized prostheses to amputees in #SierraLeone , and it has the potential to expand its reach to other developing countries. With continued support from technology companies and non-profit organizations, #3Ddigitalization technology can transform healthcare in developing countries. It also demonstrates the importance of partnerships between non-profit organizations and #technology companies to achieve common goals.
If your non-profit organization wishes to work with 3D scanning, reach out to SHINING 3D to see how we can help.
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