AIIMS Bhopal revolutionizes kidney surgery with 3D printing technology

Kidney stone surgery will now be more accurate and safer at AIIMS Bhopal. The hospital is set to become the first in India to perform trial surgeries using a 3D printed artificial kidney. This innovative procedure involves creating a detailed 3D model of the patient's kidney based on their CT scan, MRI, and other reports. Surgeons will practice on this model first, allowing them to plan the actual surgery with greater precision. The goal of this project is to achieve 99% accuracy in kidney stone surgeries, which could significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

AIIMS Bhopal has secured a research grant of 9 lakh rupees from the Madhya Pradesh Science and Technology Council (MPSTC) to fund this initiative. The project will be led by Dr. Ketan Mehra, Associate Professor in the Urology Department, with support from Dr. Vikram Vatti from the CTVS Department. Prof. Dr. Ajay Singh, Director of AIIMS Bhopal, emphasized that this cutting-edge technique will transform urological surgery by making it more precise and tailored to the individual patient.

The key innovation lies in the creation of an exact 3D replica of the patient’s kidney. This model will serve as a training tool for surgeons, allowing them to practice the surgery and determine the best approach. By simulating the procedure on the 3D model, surgeons can identify the most accurate location for the incision, which is a significant advantage over traditional surgery where the incision site is often decided during the operation. This practice run will not only improve the precision of the surgery but also reduce the time required for the procedure.

To support this project, AIIMS Bhopal will purchase a new 3D printer worth Rs 7 lakh, which will be the hospital’s fourth 3D printer. The printer will be capable of creating high-quality, patient-specific kidney models for surgical practice. Dr. Mehra pointed out that using 3D models for practice will make it possible to plan surgeries in a more personalized way, improving accuracy and safety.

Dr. Ketan Mehra, Associate Professor and Urologist at AIIMS Bhopal, will lead the project. The Urology Department of AIIMS Bhopal has received a research fund of Rs 9 lakh from the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology (MPCST) to support the project. Of the total amount, Rs 7 lakh will go towards buying advanced resin-based 3D printers, and Rs 2 lakh will cover the two-year salary of a Junior Research Fellow.

Dr. Ajay Singh, Director of AIIMS Bhopal, says, "This project is an important step in using precision technology in surgery. With 3D-printed guides, complex surgeries like PCNL can be customized and standardized, setting new standards in urological care."

This technology can reduce complications, shorten surgery time, and help create patient-specific surgical tools. Ultimately, it can lead to better outcomes for both patients and doctors.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is a process that creates three-dimensional objects, also known as digital 3D models. A computer controls the printer to make the object using available materials. This technique is growing in popularity, especially in healthcare. It has helped improve medical devices, surgical planning, and personalized treatment in India.

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