The role of 3D printed anatomical models in preoperative planning – literature rewiew and our initial experiences

Abstract

The increasing spread of 3D printing and its appearance in certain sectors of healthcare make it possible for 3D printed models created on the basis of certain imaging examinations (CT and MRI) to help care staff to better understand some complex anatomical lesions. This helps identify critical moments that the surgeon may face during surgery. With our initial attempts, we are looking for the answer to how much a 3D printed model facilitates pre-operative planning (faster method change, shortening of surgical time), to what extent the parameters measured during planning match the real, intraoperative situation, and how the experiences gained with this can be transferred to daily practice.