CAD/CAM-assisted breast reconstruction

Ferry Melchels*, Paul Severin Wiggenhauser, David Warne, Mark Barry, Fook Rhu Ong, Woon Shin Chong, Dietmar Werner Hutmacher, Jan Thorsten Schantz

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)
447 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The application of computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) techniques in the clinic is growing slowly but steadily. The ability to build patient-specific models based on medical imaging data offers major potential. In this work we report on the feasibility of employing laser scanning with CAD/CAM techniques to aid in breast reconstruction. A patient was imaged with laser scanning, an economical and facile method for creating an accurate digital representation of the breasts and surrounding tissues. The obtained model was used to fabricate a customized mould that was employed as an intra-operative aid for the surgeon performing autologous tissue reconstruction of the breast removed due to cancer. Furthermore, a solid breast model was derived from the imaged data and digitally processed for the fabrication of customized scaffolds for breast tissue engineering. To this end, a novel generic algorithm for creating porosity within a solid model was developed, using a finite element model as intermediate.

Original languageEnglish
Article number034114
JournalBiofabrication
Volume3
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 7 Sept 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomaterials
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomedical Engineering

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