Development Of An Open-Source 3-D Printable Surgical Instruments Made From ABS/PLA Plastic

Fong, Choon Yew (2018) Development Of An Open-Source 3-D Printable Surgical Instruments Made From ABS/PLA Plastic. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka. (Submitted)

Text Development Of An Open-Source 3-D Printable Surgical Instruments Made From ABS PLA Plastic - Fong Choon Yew - 24 Pages.pdf - Submitted Version Download (695kB)

Abstract

Healthcare and medical are among the sectors that greatly utilized the potential of 3-D printing and expected to revolutionize the health care. In the war zone such as Gaza strip, medical equipment and resources are limited and unaffordable due to economic turndown, persistent conflict, and blockades. The aim of this study is to develop an opensource 3-D printable surgical instruments made from ABS/PLA plastic. The 3-D printer can be used to make essential surgical instruments from inside war zone where these surgical instruments are very limited. The 3D CAD model of the surgical instruments consist of scalpel handles, retractor, needle driver, hemostat and tissue forceps were modified and developed using Solidworks CAD software. In the process of designing the surgical instruments, some design modifications were needed to address the difference of properties between PLA and stainless steel which PLA is definitely weaker than stainless steel in term of strength. Then, these surgical instruments were fabricated using FDM machine. For post-processing process, sandpapers are used to improve the surface quality of the final printed parts. Before the surgical instruments were fabricated using FDM, the 3D CAD model of the surgical instruments was analyzed using FEA in order to determine its feasibility. Then, interviews were conducted with the surgeons regarding the ergonomic and functionality of the printed part. FEA result shows the designs of the surgical instruments are feasible and received positive feedbacks from surgeons through interview. From interview, the surgeons revealed that 3-D printed scalpel handle, retractor and tissue forceps are functional and require little improvements. The 3-D printed surgical instruments that have hinged design such hemostat and needle driver need redesign and improvements on the hinge area and overall design.

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