Materialise 3D printing processes and 3D modeling software became critical tools in a groundbreaking face and hands transplant operation.
Almost six months after a rare face and hands transplant, 22-year-old New Jersey resident, Joe DiMeo, stepped out to show how the transplant now allows him to smile, blink, pinch, and squeeze. DiMeo had the operation last August, two years after being badly burned in a car crash that left him with severe injuries to his face and both arms. He suffered significant damage to his soft tissue, which severely limited his ability to lead a normal life.
Materialise
Image-based planning and medical 3D printing have completely revolutionized personalized patient care by providing surgeons with detailed insights and an additional level of confidence before entering the operation room.
The Role of 3-D Technology in World’s First Successful Double Hand and Face Transplant
Materialise’s 3-D printing and surgical planning tools provided increased speed and accuracy during the procedure
Materialise engineers coordinated the development of a surgical plan and created an on-screen 3D model based on CT-scans.
During a preparation period of 14 months, Materialise clinical engineers formed a cohesive team alongside NYU Langone surgeons, rehearsing the operation in a lab environment to develop and fine-tune the surgical plan.
Image-based planning and medical 3D printing have completely revolutionized personalized patient care by providing surgeons with detailed insights and an additional level of confidence before entering the operation room.