CAD/CAM-assisted breast reconstruction

Biofabrication. 2011 Sep;3(3):034114. doi: 10.1088/1758-5082/3/3/034114. Epub 2011 Sep 7.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Breast / anatomy & histology*
  • Breast Implantation
  • Breast Neoplasms / rehabilitation
  • Computer-Aided Design*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*