R_Bibb_Medical_Modelling_The_Application_of_Adv.pdf

Case studies 173
7. Manners C R (1993), ‘STL File Format’, 3D Systems Inc., Valencia CA, USA.
8. Jacobs P F (1996), Stereolithography and other RP&M Technologies: from
Rapid Prototyping to Rapid Tooling, Dearborn MI, USA, Society of
Manufacturing Engineering, ISBN: 0872634671.
6.9 Rehabilitation applications case study 2:
Producing burns therapy conformers using
non-contact scanning and rapid prototyping
6.9.1 Acknowledgements
The work described in this case study was fi rst reported in the reference
below and is reproduced here in part or in full with the permission of First
Numerics Ltd.
• Bibb R, Bocca A, Hartles F, 2004, ‘Producing burns therapy conformers
using non-contact scanning and rapid prototyping’, Proceedings of the
Sixth International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics
& Biomedical Engineering, Madrid, Spain, February (Published on CD-
ROM by First Numerics Ltd, Cardiff, UK ISBN: 0954967003).
6.9.2 Introduction
This case study describes the use of three-dimensional non-contact scanning,
computer-aided design (CAD) software and rapid prototyping (RP)
techniques in the production of burns therapy masks, also known as conformers.
Such masks are used in the management of hypertrophic scars
on the face resulting from burns injuries (see medical explanatory note
8.2.2).
Two case studies were undertaken where non-contact laser scanning techniques
were used to capture accurate data of burns patients’ faces. The
surface data was then manipulated using two different CAD techniques to
achieve a reduction in prominence of the scarring. This reduction in height
of the scarring on the vacuum-forming mould results in a conforming facemask
that fi ts the face precisely whilst applying localised pressure to the
scars. This pressure on the scars produces the benefi cial effect obtained from
the use of such masks. Once manipulated to achieve this effect, the data was
then used to create vacuum forming moulds via a selection of RP methods.
The effectiveness of the CAD techniques and RP processes for this
application are evaluated. The case studies below illustrate the benefi ts of
the approach in comparison to traditional practices whilst indicating operational
and technical diffi culties that may be encountered. Finally, the cost
effectiveness, patient benefi ts and opportunities for further research are
discussed.