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Dr. Frank Rybicki, the new chief of medical imaging at The Ottawa Hospital and a leading expert in 3D printing for medical use, demonstrated how a 3D model can show the spatial relationship between a tumour and major blood vessels.

Imagine: a patient missing a fragment of his skull is fitted with a replica that slides perfectly into place, rather than a traditional plate and screws that need to be modified in the operating room. An exact replica would mean a better chance of success after the operation and a lower chance of developing a dangerous infection.

Dr. Frank Rybicki envisions the day when The Ottawa Hospital will be able to create such a replica.

Dr. Rybicki is the new chief of medical imaging at The Ottawa Hospital and a leading expert in the field. In 2007, Dr. Rybicki was part of the team that performed the first full-face transplant in the U.S., made possible through 3D technology. He is also the Editor–in-Chief of the new peer-review journal 3D Printing in Medicine.

Advanced 3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital model using plastics, silicone, titanium, ceramics and even human cells. The technology promises to deliver custom-made body parts manufactured where they’re needed and when they’re needed. It can also be used to build surgical tools customized for individual cases.

“Ultimately, everyone will want nearly everything 3D printed,” predicted Dr. Rybicki. “It’s not a question of what will be 3D printed, it’s a question of what will not be 3D printed.”

Dr. Rybicki aims to create a 3D medical imaging program at The Ottawa Hospital. Currently, the complex 3D-printed materials to be implanted in patients must be ordered from Toronto.

“I am confident that we can assemble the right team in Ottawa to attract support from the public, patients and industry alike,” said Dr. Rybicki.

The technology is already being used to create detailed anatomical models that allow doctors to plan and practise complicated surgeries. Detailed planning reduces the amount of time that a patient is under anesthetic and cuts down on surgical mistakes.

“The ability to work with the model gives you an unprecedented level of reassurance and confidence in the procedure,” said Dr. Rybicki.

The technology could potentially revolutionize surgery and make it more precise, less expensive and safer.

“It allows for incredible customization,” said Dr. Rybicki. “This is the ultimate form of personalized medicine.”

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