Tailor Surgery on the Use of Additive Manufacturing in Medicine

The usage of 3D printing in the medical domain continues to expand. Presently, it is possible to fabricate personalized medical devices tailored to individual patients, including prosthetics, orthotics, and custom implants. Moreover, additive manufacturing serves as a valuable aid in complex surgical procedures by enabling the creation of intricate models and surgical guides. Worldwide, the significance of 3D technology is on the rise, with numerous hospitals, universities, research laboratories, and health centers already embracing this manufacturing approach. One exemplary medical facility using 3D printing is Tailor Surgery, with whom we had a conversation to delve deeper into the application of 3D printing in medicine.

3DN: Could you please introduce yourself and share your connection with 3D printing?

Dr. Ferran Fillat

My name is Dr. Ferran Fillat Gomà, and I specialize in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. I completed my PhD thesis on the utilization of 3D printing in my field, particularly focusing on its impact on enhancing the diagnosis of proximal humerus fractures. Recognizing the diverse potential of 3D printing in traumatology, I took the initiative to establish the digital surgical planning laboratory, now known as 3DPTLab, at the Research Institute of Parc Taulí Hospital. Alongside my PhD work, I initiated various research endeavors related to 3D printing and its clinical applications. Currently, the hospital’s 3D lab is actively engaged in over 22 research projects, aimed at providing scientific evidence for the implementation of this technology in other medical specialties beyond traumatology.

3DN: How did the idea of founding Tailor Surgery originate?

The establishment of Tailor Surgery arose from a genuine clinical requirement. We recognized the potential of 3D printing to offer personalized treatments in orthopedic surgery. In the current landscape of orthopedic surgery and traumatology, a majority of procedures conducted in the operating room involve standard implants. Despite the existence of technology for personalization, most surgeries still rely on fitting the patient to the implant. The significant advantage of 3D printing lies in its ability to create customized implants for each individual patient. By utilizing digital surgery in advance, this technology allows us to anticipate challenges and complications prior to the actual surgery. Consequently, we can enhance the patient’s diagnosis and provide a safer, more accurate, and efficient treatment approach.