Amy Davey is the senior reconstructive scientist at the centre, which is part of the North Bristol NHS Trust. \u201cWe provide small facial and body prostheses \u2014 noses, ears, eyes, fingers, toes, even nipples,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a profession, we\u2019ve long known that 3D printing would transform what we do. We\u2019re a very small team \u2014 there are three of us, and we work very hard. And the motivation, really, is that there are so many people that we can help.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Richards, the process began with his face being photographed from several angles. The images were used to create a highly-accurate 3D digital replica of his head. This model was then used as the foundation to design a facial prosthesis.<\/p>\n
In his case, a mould was 3D-printed and used to craft a prosthesis from silicone; for other patients, the parts of the prosthesis or a prosthetic implant could be printed from plastic or titanium.<\/p>\n
Richards had previously experienced the traditional process, which involved making a plaster cast of his face and was time-consuming and messy.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, they just take a few photographs from different angles, and the software meshes it all together. It\u2019s incredible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As well as being less intrusive, the new techniques can produce prostheses that are more accurate. \u201cIt\u2019s those small margins that matter,\u201d he added. \u201cYou look in the mirror and think, \u2018Okay, I look a bit better today.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n
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The prostheses are 3D printed to the exact measurements of the patient<\/p>\n
ADRIAN SHERRATT FOR THE TIMES<\/p>\n
Other patients at the centre include people who have had operations to remove cancers and babies with plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, conditions that affect the shape of their skull.<\/p>\n
Previously, these infants would have needed a general anaesthetic to stop them from wriggling while a mould of their skull was produced to make a special helmet to help reshape their head. \u201cWith our 3D surface scanning, the baby can move around freely and happily, and a 3D-printed helmet subsequently produced from that scan,\u201d Davey said.<\/p>\n
By scanning patients while they move, her team can also make prostheses that deal better with the shifting contours of, for example, a face.<\/p>\n
Her team is developing techniques and finding new applications for existing ones. 3D models, for instance, can be printed to help surgeons prepare for surgery. A model of a damaged kidney can, for instance, show not only the area to be removed but also highlight nerves and blood vessels to help plan the operation.<\/p>\n
Most of the equipment within the centre is funded by donations to the Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of North Bristol NHS Trust.<\/p>\n
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