Lu, Y., Chen, X., Han, F. et al. 3D printing of self-healing personalized liver models for surgical training and preoperative planning. Nat Commun 14, 8447 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44324-6
This research paper investigates the development and application of a novel 3D printing technique for creating personalized liver models specifically designed to improve surgical training and preoperative planning for liver surgery.
- 3D Printing for Personalized Medicine: Traditionally, surgeons rely on medical imaging (like CT scans) to visualize a patient's liver before surgery. 3D printing offers a distinct advantage by creating a physical, three-dimensional replica of the patient's liver based on their imaging data. This personalized model allows surgeons to better understand the unique anatomy of the liver, including variations in blood vessels, bile ducts, and tumors.
- Limitations of Traditional Models: Conventional 3D printed models are often made from rigid plastics that don't accurately reflect the feel and texture of real liver tissue. Additionally, these models can't be cut or manipulated realistically, making it difficult to simulate surgical procedures like resections (removal of liver tissue).
- Self-Healing Elastomers: The researchers developed a novel technique using a special type of 3D printing called stereolithographic 3D printing (DLP). DLP uses light to cure liquid resin into a solid object layer-by-layer. In this study, the resin used is a self-healing elastomer. Elastomers are elastic materials that can be stretched and compressed without breaking. The self-healing property means the elastomer can automatically repair itself after being cut, mimicking the natural healing abilities of liver tissue. The researchers specifically designed the elastomer to have a soft, liver-like texture, providing a more realistic training and planning experience.
- Benefits:
- Preoperative Planning: With a 3D printed model of the patient's liver, surgeons can meticulously plan the surgical approach. This includes pinpointing the exact location and size of the tumor, identifying the best access point for the surgery, and strategizing how to remove the tumor while preserving healthy liver tissue. This improved planning can potentially lead to: Reduced surgery time Minimized blood loss Lower risk of complications.
- Surgical Training: Surgeons can use these 3D models to practice complex liver surgery procedures in a safe and controlled environment. The realistic feel of the self-healing elastomer allows surgeons to hone their skills and techniques specific to the patient's unique liver anatomy. This enhanced training can improve surgical precision and potentially lead to better patient outcomes.
- Repetitive Cutting: A crucial advantage of the self-healing property is the ability to cut and resected the model multiple times. This allows surgeons to experiment with different surgical approaches and refine their strategy before operating on the actual patient. The trial-and-error practice on the model can help optimize the surgical path for best results.
- Clinical Trials: The researchers conducted a preliminary clinical trial (NCT06006338) to evaluate the effectiveness of these 3D printed liver models in real-world surgery. Although the trial involved a small number of participants, the results were promising. Surgeons were able to achieve negative surgical margins, meaning all cancerous tissue was removed, and avoid any unintended damage to vital blood vessels within the liver.
Overall, this research highlights the significant potential of 3D printing self-healing personalized liver models for revolutionizing liver surgery. By providing a realistic and customizable training tool and improving preoperative planning, this technology has the potential to enhance surgical safety, effectiveness, and ultimately, patient outcomes.
Note: Please note that this summary does not include all of the research article's information. If you find the summary interesting, please read the research paper that is linked below.
