Hybrid modeling techniques for 3D printed deep inferior epigastric perforator flap models.

BACKGROUND: Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap (DIEP) surgical procedures have benefited in recent years from the introduction of 3D printed models, yet new technologies are expanding design opportunities which promise to improve patient specific care. Numerous studies, utilizing 3D printed models for DIEP, have shown a reduction of surgical time and complications when used in addition to the review of standard CT imaging. A DIEP free flap procedure requires locating the inferior epigastric perforator vessels traversing and perforating the rectus abdominis muscle, perfusing the abdominal skin and fatty tissue. The goal of dissecting the inferior epigastric perforator vessels is complicated by the opacity of the fatty tissue and muscle. Previous attempts to 3D print patient specific models for DIEP free flap cases from CT imaging has shown a wide range of designs which only show variations of perforator arteries, fatty tissue, and the abdominis rectus muscle. METHODS: To remedy this limitation, we have leveraged a voxel-based modeling environment to composite complex modeling elements and incorporate a ruled grid upon the muscle providing effortless 'booleaning' and measured guidance. RESULTS: A limitation of digital surface-based modeling tools has led to existing models lacking the ability to composite critical anatomical features, such as differentiation of vessels through different tissues, coherently into one model, providing information more akin to the surgical challenge. CONCLUSION: With new technology, highly detailed multi-material 3D printed models are allowing more of the information from medical imaging to be expressed in 3D printed models. This additional data, coupled with advanced digital modeling tools harnessing both voxel- and mesh-based modeling environments, is allowing for an expanded library of modeling techniques which create a wealth of concepts surgeons can use to assemble a presurgical planning model tailored to their setting, equipment, and needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: COMIRB 21-3135, ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05144620.

Contingency planning for health care worker masks in case of medical supply chain failure: Lessons learned in novel mask manufacturing from COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on the medical supply chain. Early in the pandemic, uncertainty regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) was high. Protecting health care workers from contracting illness is critical to preserve trust and workforce capacity. METHODS: We describe an initiative to design and manufacture a novel, re-usable, half-face respirator in case conventional medical supply chain failed to meet demand. It required new collaboration between the hospital, physicians, the medical school, and the school of engineering. We describe organizational priorities, constraints, and process of design, testing and approval as the health system engaged for the first time directly with the design and manufacturing process for PPE. RESULTS: An original mask design was developed, and the University Hospital had an initial batch of this novel mask manufactured during the first wave of the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. These masks, and the die necessary to produce more, are in reserve in case of depletion of stores of conventionally sourced PPE. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated fragility of medical supply chain. Organizations considering similar efforts should anticipate constraints on raw material supply chain and be flexible, adaptive, and fast. The incident command structure was vital to identifying priority areas needing alternative approaches, creating connections, and providing rapid approvals. We found organizational value in demonstrating commitment to assuring PPE supplies for health care worker safety.