It is mentioned in literature that using patient-specific instruments 3D-printed patient-specific orthopedic surgical guides (e.g MySpine by Medacta and OtisMed by OtisKneeTM) for surgery is expensive. High CT imaging cost is a factor.
Please, what other factors drive the cost of these surgical instruments?
Thank you.
Hi,
For an in-house manufacturing in hospitals, the costs of the required equipment, such as computer-aided design software and the 3D printing machine, are often viewed as a barrier to the use of the technique. Sometimes, the technique also requires the support of highly specialized technicians for designing the surgical guide. The cost of this highly qualified staff is substantial.
For more details on the advantages and disadvantages of 3D-printing in surgery, please see the following link.
Best regards,
Nicolas
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Advantages+and+disadvantages+of+3-dimensional+printing+in+surgery%3A+A+systematic+review
There are many variables depending on the type of printer but typically the costs of 3D printing include cost of technician, material used in the printing process, and wear/tear on the machine. The material probably equates to the majority of the costs and can be significantly reduced if a hollow object can be made.
To give a perspective, the in-house cost to print something like a hollow scapula would be around $50-75. This same build could easily be 3-400 if out-sourcing and more if purchasing through second-hand party.
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