[Explanation] Rabbit lips and lupus pharynx, these problems that plague patients with cleft lip and palate can now be repaired more precisely with the help of 3D printing technology. Recently, at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wang Yongqian, chief physician of the Plastic Surgery Department, introduced the application of this technology to reporters.

　　[Concurrent] Wang Yongqian, Chief Physician of the First Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

　　In fact, this 3D printing technology is mainly used to repair bony defects in cleft lip and palate. So far, the time for us to repair is around 8-12 years old, which is to repair the bone defect of the missing part. This kind of 3D printing technology actually means that after we input the data of these (CT) images into a 3D printer, we can print a one-to-one model of this entity (upper jaw). This model surgery can have a particularly thorough understanding of the situation before our cleft lip and palate surgery, and we can also simulate this operation on this model.

　　[Explanation] Wang Yongqian told reporters that before 3D printing technology participates in the repair, doctors repair cleft lip and palate mainly by observing X-rays and CT scan images. This requires rich experience and ability. Now, 3D printing models have transformed empirical medicine into precision medicine.

　　[Site] Wang Yongqian showing 3D printing model

　　A model of a patient with unrepaired alveolar spinal fissure. In fact, we think that this place is a defect, that is, compared with the normal side, this place is defective.

　　[Site] Wang Yongqian shows curved tomography

　　Our defect area is in this position. In fact, it is not easy to see clearly because it is covered by new bone. It is very difficult to distinguish without certain clinical experience.

　　[Explanation] In addition, the commonly used material for cleft lip and palate repair is the patient's own iliac bone. Even experienced doctors could only estimate the amount of iliac bone material used in the past. By simulating on the model, the doctor can be more precise when taking the ilium, thereby reducing the harm to the patient.

　　[Site] Wang Yongqian uses plasticine to simulate repairs on the 3D printed model

　　Just perform a simulation on this tooth slot, that is, we simulate ground filling, and try to simulate the shape of the opposite side as much as possible.

　　The simulated material is taken down, and we use a drainage method for the removed material. You can put it in a graduated cylinder or needle to see the volume, then a relatively accurate defect volume can be obtained.

　　[Explanation] Wang Yongqian also said that although the use of 3D printed models for simulation requires doctors to do more work before surgery, for patients, the efficiency of surgery can be improved.

　　[Concurrent] Wang Yongqian, Chief Physician of the First Department of Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

　　It should be about 20% faster. We used to do this repair in about 1 and a half hours, then with this (after 3D printing), it should be about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

　　[Explanation] Wang Yongqian said that at present, as 3D printing has not yet achieved sterilization, it is temporarily impossible to directly print the defect area of ​​the patient’s maxilla. The "seamless" joint of the upper jaw will not be a dream.

　　Wen Mengxin reports from Beijing

Editor in charge: [Wang Kai]