3D printed PEEK custom skull implants are skull restorations that are individually manufactured based on the patient's individual skull anatomy and defects.

 

3D Printed PEEK Custom Cranial Implant - Example 54

 

Overview of implants

 

3D printed PEEK (polyetheretherketone) custom cranial implants are skull restorations that are individually manufactured using biocompatible PEEK materials based on the patient's individual skull anatomy and defects. PEEK material has excellent mechanical properties, its density is similar to that of human bone, good strength and toughness, can provide reliable support for the skull, and has good radiation transmission, which does not affect postoperative imaging examinations, such as CT, MRI, etc.

 

Patient profile (example 54)

 

The patient is a 45-year-old man with a skull defect due to severe head trauma. The defect site is located on the left side of the parietal bone in the skull region, and the patient has a certain degree of headache and dizziness symptoms before the skull repair surgery, and the appearance problems caused by the skull defect are psychologically stressed.

 

Implant customization process

 

Data Acquisition: Obtain detailed 3D data of the patient's skull with high-precision CT scans to ensure accurate information about the subtle structure of the skull and the area of the defect can be accurately captured.

 

Model design: The CT data is imported into professional medical image processing software (such as Mimics, 3-matic, etc.), and professional medical engineers and surgeons work together to design a 3D model of the implant that perfectly matches the patient's skull according to the anatomy and defects of the patient's skull. In the design process, the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the implant are fully considered to ensure that the implant can be well integrated with the surrounding tissues while repairing the skull defect.

 

3D printing: PEEK materials that meet medical grade standards are used to manufacture implants using high-precision 3D printers. During the printing process, the printing parameters such as printing speed, layer thickness, etc., are strictly controlled to ensure the accuracy and quality of the implant. After printing, the implant is post-processed, including removal of the support structure, surface sanding and polishing, etc., to make the surface smoother and less irritating to the surrounding tissues.

 

 

Surgical procedure

 

Preoperative preparation: Conduct a comprehensive preoperative assessment of the patient, including physical condition, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, etc., to ensure that the patient is eligible for surgery. At the same time, the customized PEEK skull implant is subjected to strict sterilization and sterilization treatment to ensure the safety of the implant.

 

Anesthesia and incision: General anesthesia is used to make an incision near the patient's skull defect site to fully expose the skull defect area.

 

Implant Mounting: A custom-made PEEK skull implant is accurately placed at the skull defect and the implant is securely attached to the skull using a suitable fixation device (e.g., titanium nail, titanium plate, etc.). During the installation process, pay close attention to the fit of the implant to the skull to ensure that the implant is positioned correctly.

 

Wound sutures: Once the implant is installed, carefully inspect the surgical area to ensure that there is no bleeding or other abnormalities. The scalp is then sutured layer by layer to complete the surgery.

 

Post-operative condition

 

Early recovery: postoperatively, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for close observation and his vital signs were stable. On the first day after surgery, the patient's headache and dizziness were relieved. The wound healed well and there were no signs of infection.

 

Imaging: CT scan was performed one week postoperatively and showed that the implant was accurately positioned, tightly attached to the skull, and there was no significant edema and exudate from the surrounding tissues.

 

Long-term follow-up: At the 6-month follow-up after surgery, the patient's headache and dizziness symptoms basically disappeared, and the neurological function recovered well. The implant is well integrated with the surrounding tissues, and there is no loosening or displacement. The patient's appearance has improved significantly, and his mental state has been greatly improved, allowing him to live and work normally.

 

conclusion

 

PEEK skull implants customized by 3D printing technology have achieved good results in cranial repair surgery in example 54 patients. The implant can be customized to the individual patient, fits perfectly to the skull, and has good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. The operation process was smooth and the postoperative patients recovered well, which provided a safe and effective treatment method for patients with skull defects, and had important clinical application value. At the same time, it also shows the great potential of 3D printing technology in the field of personalized medicine.