Technology and IIoT

3-D Printing and Facial Transplants

Dec. 2, 2014

"The soft tissues that are 3-D printed in one piece are much better than photographs. They provide a better understanding of what’s between the skin and bones than any two-dimensional representation can,” explains Dr. Frank J. Rybicki.

Adrienne Selko

3-D technology continues to expand its applications. This week at the 2014 Radiological Society of North American annual meeting in Chicago, Dr. Frank J. Rybicki, the director of Applied Imaging Science Laboratory at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, talked about using 3-D printing for a full-face transplant patient.

The patient was Carmel Tarleton who received a face transplant in 2013.

Dr. Rybicki illustrated the potential of Stratasys 3D models form pre- and post-op situations. Printed from the Stratasys Objet500 Connex3 and the Objet Eden 260VS, models showed simulated facial tissue and bone structure, as well as how Dr. Rybicki’s team is using them to better understand the state of soft tissue at various stages in time.

“We’ve 3-D printed the soft tissues before and after Carmen’s full-face transplantation,” says Dr. Rybicki. “We’re going to illustrate those dramatic changes in tissues using a new method that has been previously unavailable. The soft tissues that are 3-D printed in one piece are much better than photographs. They provide a better understanding of what’s between the skin and bones than any two-dimensional representation can.”

Talking about Carmen’s and other patients' results, in an article on livescience.com, Rybicki said the patients “went from having no face and no features at all, to being able to talk and eat and breathe properly."

"The medical research and advancements brought on by 3D printing is truly life altering,” says Gilad Gans, president, Stratasys North America. “We strive to empower the healthcare heroes with technologies, materials and work flow to help advance their cause.

For more information on the Brigham and Women’s Applied Imaging Science Laboratory, visit their website.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.