Use of 3D Printing in Surgical Planning: Strategies for Risk Analysis and User Involvement

This report aimed at promoting communication among project participants (hospital personnel and medical residents), increasing autonomy in decision-making during surgical planning. The steps taken for neuro navigation on a head model produced by additive manufacturing were analyzed for quality and risk assessment. Danger related to each navigation step, expected event sequence, dangerous situation and damage were pinpointed. User involvement was required from each project participant. After technical description of model preparation (filling and target deployment), the following steps were described: 1. Biomodel fixation, 2. T1-weighted image acquisition, 3. Target planning, 4. Stereotactic procedure, 5. Tomography acquisition, 6. Accuracy verification, 7. Disassembly. Error sources were identified and standardized procedures were established. A series of proposals were listed to assure quality and reproducibility. We concluded that accuracy can be improved as materials and procedures used for stereotaxy are optimized.