Opening doors to the interdisciplinary techniques, Lucknow’s George Medical University is now using 3D printing to assist critical surgeries. As per reports, a liver transplant was recently conducted at the institute with the help of a 3D printed model of the organ fabricated by an engineer. Reportedly, the maximum benefits of this innovative development will be witnessed in the orthopedics and neurology departments while other medical areas will also be assisted.
Engineer to work in sync with doctors in the Operation Theatre
With a handy virtual model, nerves can be easily spotted which reduces the risk of accidents significantly. As per reports, Prof. Divya Mehrotra from KGMU informed that the 3D printer technology was studied at a laboratory in the United Kingdom. According to the protocol, a trained engineer accompanies the 3D model into the operation theatre, thereafter, the surgery is performed under the supervision of doctors and the engineer.
Sometimes, a lot of tests including CT scans are required to gauge the state of the disease. With the help of 3D printed models, the doctors will be able to widen the scope of available information. According to reports, a 3D printed model was firstly deployed for performing a jaw surgery and now, this liver transplant procedure has been performed. Here, it is noteworthy that the facility of liver transplant is available in very few centres in the state and KGMU is one of them.
4-week free course to train students in 3D printing technology
Reportedly, the KGMU authorities have started a free course on 3D digital medical designing for undergraduate and postgraduate pupils. The 3D printing lab at the institute has been established with the help of the Department of Medical Research and it was used for treatment procedures till now.
With the amplification of its role, it will help in the training and educational programs too. As per reports, the four-week course curriculum would be spread across four months. At the end of it, MCQ based test would assess the learnings of the students. As per Dr. Divya, nearly 100 students have got themselves registered for this course. Additionally, the 3D printing technology was also used to introduce the students to minor surgeries during online classes.
