3D Systems has launched VSP Hybrid Guides — the latest addition to its VSP surgical planning solutions portfolio.
This solution for maxillofacial surgeons combines the strength of titanium with the relative softness of nylon in a single patient-specific guide with registration to the dentition for added confidence in guide placement and surgical site visibility. This latest innovation was engineered in response to customer feedback and demonstrates 3D Systems’ commitment to driving better outcomes for maxillofacial and reconstructive surgeons and their patients.
VSP Hybrid Guides aim to capitalise on the benefits of each material. Tooth-based registration is achievable with nylon material, and the profile advantages of a rigid metallic cutting and drilling guide are preserved. The new guides are assembled with easy-to-use connection sites that are engineered to confirm a proper connection. Depending on the surgeon’s preference, patient-specific instruments can be designed that allow multiple cutting/drilling locations on a single occlusal-based guide.
A secondary benefit of using occlusal registration is the potential for a reduced guide footprint. The slimmer profile guides not only provide easier placement in areas with limited exposure but also improve a surgeon’s visibility of the surgical site.
Dr Jay Neugarten, New York Center for Orthognathics and Maxillofacial Surgery, said: “3D Systems and its VSP surgical planning and guides are an integral part of my ability to deliver highly successful outcomes for my patients undergoing corrective jaw surgery. The new VSP Hybrid Guides are the next generation of occlusal-based surgical guides. To be able to combine two materials - nylon and titanium - to create cutting and predictive hole-drilling surgical guides that register to the dentition enables a precise and accurate surgical outcome for my patients. Using the VSP Hybrid Guides together with Stryker’s Facial iD customised plates streamlines my workflow in surgery. It’s like using a satellite navigation system compared to a paper map. This ability to seamlessly transfer my digital treatment plans to the surgical arena allows me to provide the highest level of care for my patients.”
The surgical guides developed as part of this new solution are manufactured using 3D Systems’ LaserForm Ti and DuraFormProX PA materials on the DMP Flex 350 and ProX SLS 6100 production-grade 3D printer systems. Creating patient-specific surgical guides as part of the VSP System has been shown to save surgeons and patients hours in the operating room.
Menno Ellis, executive vice president, healthcare solutions, 3D Systems, said: “3D Systems prides itself on our customer-centric innovation, and our ability to deliver patient-specific solutions that change the way healthcare is delivered. With the introduction of VSP Hybrid Guides, we’ve elevated the capability of our renowned VSP surgical solutions portfolio to facilitate craniomaxillofacial procedures. In partnership with our expert biomedical engineers, surgeons can develop effective surgical plans and patient-specific devices that help improve patient outcomes.”
3D Systems’ VSP technology has received FDA market clearance as a service-based approach to personalised surgery, combining expertise in medical imaging, surgical simulation, and 3D printing. The surgeon initiates the process, bringing their clinical knowledge and desired surgical plan to an online web meeting with a 3D Systems biomedical engineer to simulate and plan the surgical procedure. The outcome is a digital plan that is transferred to the operating room via 3D printed patient-specific models, guides, and templates. 3D Systems has provided VSP solutions or anatomical services in more than 140,000 unique patient cases.
