Frederik Lars Giesel MD, MBA, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

1) History of 3D-Printing. 2) Imaging modalities and post-processing procedures to provide data surrogates for 3D-printing. 3) Concept of 3D-printing for improved clinical services. 4) Limitations and perspectives of 3D-printing in the imaging environment.

This presentation outlines the impact of 3D-printing in the imaging environment. Applications in the medical field are reviewed and growing clinical applications are discussed. Starting with an overview of current 3D-printing technologies including fused deposition modelling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography (SLA) common techniques for generating 3D object models based on medical imaging are illustrated. Typically, imaging source data from different modalities are post-processed using dedicated algorithms and software in order to generate triangle mesh surface data. These surface data are usually exported to STL-files that are commonly understood by current 3D printing machines. 3D-printed objects are most often made from plastic, such as ABS, PA, or PLA, but metal or other material is even possible. Finally the presentation will demonstrate how 3D-printed objects are valuable for treatment planning, treatment procedures in several clinical subspecialties, intra-operative surgical navigation, or for prosthesis production. However, medical applications of 3D-printing are still in a very early phase but the growing awareness in the medical and non-medical field nowadays support the promising utilization and development in the very near future.  

Giesel, F, The Impact 3D-Printing in the Imaging Environment.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001893.html