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Transforming Spinal Surgeries with Medical Segmentation Software and 3D Printing
Posted on 15 July 2024 by Jessica James
Our resellers are working with customers in Mexico on exciting clinical applications of Simpleware software. A recent highlight has involved working with Dr. Hugo Vilchis S¨¢mano, an orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist at IMSS UMAE Hospital de Traumatolog¨ªa y Ortopedia Lomas Verdes, on using Simpleware software for pediatric scoliosis interventions. Dr. Vilchis S¨¢mano's experiences with Simpleware technology and 3D printing have demonstrated tangible safety, precision, and efficiency benefits for treating patients with complex spinal conditions.
Dr. Vilchis S¨¢mano's first use of 3D printing emerged from a highly challenging case involving a patient with scoliosis and multiple previous surgeries. This led him to recognize the advantages of using 3D segmentation and printing for advanced planning and treatment of severe spinal deformities. This workflow has become integral to Dr. Vilchis S¨¢mano's practice. It transcends traditional 2D imaging analysis (CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays) by incorporating 3D segmentation technology. This approach enhances the understanding of patient anatomies, enabling more accurate and detailed surgical planning.
Example of Synopsys Simpleware software being used for spine segmentation (Image courtesy of Intelligy 3DCare).
Benefits of Medical Segmentation for Spinal Surgeries
- Reduced Surgical Time: With the use of 3D models, surgical time has been significantly reduced from approximately 5 hours to 3 hours due to improved planning from 3D anatomies and optimized implementation in the operating room.
- Enhanced Precision and Safety: Visualizing patient anatomy with 3D models has improved screw placement accuracy and reduced the risk of intraoperative complications. Moreover, preoperative simulation enables surgical teams to evaluate various approaches and anticipate potential challenges, increasing safety during surgery.
- Minimized Radiation Exposure: More precise planning with 3D models reduced the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy, thereby decreasing radiation exposure for both patients and medical staff - further enhancing overall safety within the operating room.
- Consistent Medical Education: Medical segmentation and 3D printing also serve as exceptional educational resources. This synergy provides valuable tools for surgical simulation, case discussion, and training of residents and medical students on anatomy and surgical techniques.
Simpleware software and 3D printing have proven to be an invaluable tool in Dr. Vilchis S¨¢mano¡¯s clinical practice and are expected to continue growing in importance for treating patients with complex spinal conditions.
Success Story in Early-Onset Scoliosis
This case involved a 5-year-old patient with a diagnosis of early-onset scoliosis. Dr. Vilchis S¨¢mano¡¯s and Dr. Edgar Villegas discovered that the patient had many abnormal curvatures, which caused their organs, particularly their lungs, not to develop properly. Surgery was therefore necessary to try and correct the curvatures as much as possible. Utilizing the advanced 3D image segmentation capabilities of Simpleware software, the surgical team meticulously examined each individual vertebra, enabling them to visualize and manipulate the spine and other anatomical structures from various angles.
The surgical team then 3D printed the spine model to plan their approach, avoiding sensitive structures that could be damaged and minimizing potential complications. With clear anatomical references at hand, they gained a significant advantage, allowing them to operate with heightened confidence and precision. As a result of this strategic planning, the team reported a notable improvement in overall safety, a reduction in surgical time by approximately two hours, an increase in decision-making certainty, and an improved atmosphere in the operating room.
The use of 3D technologies before, during, and after surgery has been praised as an invaluable tool that can be applied across various medical specialties.
Learn More
- Read about Simpleware software for Clinical Applications
- Read the Regulatory Information for Simpleware Medical, our CE-marked and FDA (510k) cleared software
Any Questions?
If you would like to know more about Simpleware software, please contact us. Our technical specialists will be happy to show you Simpleware software solutions for any anatomy.