TY - JOUR
T1 - Fabrication of Nasoalveolar Molding Devices for the Treatment of Cleft Lip and Palate, Using Stereolithography Additive Manufacturing Processes and Computer-Aided Design Manipulation Software
AU - Ahmed, Mairaj K.
AU - Ahsanuddin, Sofia
AU - Retrouvey, Jean Marc
AU - Koka, Krishna Sai
AU - Qureshi, Haider
AU - Bui, Anthony H.
AU - Taub, Peter J.
PY - 2019/11/1
Y1 - 2019/11/1
N2 - INTRODUCTION: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic treatment modality that attempts to reorient misaligned bony and soft tissue structures in patients with clefting of the lip and palate. The NAM devices are implemented prior to surgical intervention in order to minimize the gap across the cleft and thereby reduce tension across the eventual repair. Currently, NAM devices are fabricated in a laboratory and then refined chairside by the provider. The present article describes the potential of three-dimensional (3D) printing and computer-aided design (CAD) software for the fabrication of NAM devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A workflow was developed to demonstrate the use of 3D printing and CAD software to design NAM devices. This workflow encompasses scanning an impression into CAD software, performing a series of manipulations, and then printing the digital model. RESULTS: To test the workflow, a cleft palate plaster model was scanned into CAD software. Through a series of linear and angular freeform manipulations of the body, the model was modified to display a cleft with a reduced alveolar gap. Sequential molding devices were produced which would gradually apply pressure to targeted areas of hard and soft tissue until the cleft is minimized. The resulting devices are printed using a stereolithography printer. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 3D printing and CAD software shows promise in improving the accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness of designing NAM devices. The accuracy and flexibility from digitally visualizing the manipulations made to an appliance before its creation can result in a more personalized device for the patient.
AB - INTRODUCTION: Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is a presurgical orthopedic treatment modality that attempts to reorient misaligned bony and soft tissue structures in patients with clefting of the lip and palate. The NAM devices are implemented prior to surgical intervention in order to minimize the gap across the cleft and thereby reduce tension across the eventual repair. Currently, NAM devices are fabricated in a laboratory and then refined chairside by the provider. The present article describes the potential of three-dimensional (3D) printing and computer-aided design (CAD) software for the fabrication of NAM devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A workflow was developed to demonstrate the use of 3D printing and CAD software to design NAM devices. This workflow encompasses scanning an impression into CAD software, performing a series of manipulations, and then printing the digital model. RESULTS: To test the workflow, a cleft palate plaster model was scanned into CAD software. Through a series of linear and angular freeform manipulations of the body, the model was modified to display a cleft with a reduced alveolar gap. Sequential molding devices were produced which would gradually apply pressure to targeted areas of hard and soft tissue until the cleft is minimized. The resulting devices are printed using a stereolithography printer. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 3D printing and CAD software shows promise in improving the accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness of designing NAM devices. The accuracy and flexibility from digitally visualizing the manipulations made to an appliance before its creation can result in a more personalized device for the patient.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85074620804&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85074620804&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005921
DO - 10.1097/SCS.0000000000005921
M3 - Article
C2 - 31584552
AN - SCOPUS:85074620804
SN - 1049-2275
VL - 30
SP - 2604
EP - 2608
JO - The Journal of craniofacial surgery
JF - The Journal of craniofacial surgery
IS - 8
ER -