In 2015 a 13-specialty team at Texas Children’s Hospital used 3D modeling based on CT images to plan surgery on, and then successfully separate, conjoined twins. This week Newsweek revisited the case, focusing on the multidisciplinary teamwork as well as the 3D technology.
In a video accompanying the article, Rajesh Krishnamurthy, MD, who was then chief of radiology research at Texas Children’s (he’s since moved to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio), says the clinical insights offered by 3D-based surgical planning can become “very important when you [set out] to assign an organ to one twin or the other. That’s usually based on the blood supply” to the organ, which provides far less detailed information.
The article notes that, despite substantial growth in the literature documenting 3D printing’s solid contribution to good surgical outcomes, most insurers still don’t cover it.
Nevertheless, the reporter points out, some hospitals are now using the technology to “prototype and produce custom surgical devices to address certain challenges of particular surgeries.”
Read the piece and view the video:
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.