Yale School of Medicine's In-House 3D Surgery

About

Yale School of Medicine has introduced a fully in-house 3D surgery program, marking a significant milestone in personalized medicine. This program utilizes advanced 3D imaging and printing technologies to create patient-specific surgical guides and models. The first procedure, performed by Lisa Lattanza, involved repairing a distal radius malunion using 3D-printed models and guides. This approach enhances surgical precision and efficiency by allowing surgeons to plan and practice complex operations before entering the operating room. The in-house program is facilitated by the 3D Collaborative for Medical Innovation (3DC), which works closely with surgeons to design and print custom surgical tools. This setup allows for rapid adjustments based on real-time feedback, improving the speed and cost-effectiveness of surgical planning. Yale's initiative demonstrates the potential of integrating engineering innovations into medical practices, offering personalized treatment options that can benefit patients regardless of their financial situation or insurance coverage.