Additive technologies in neurosurgery

Abstract

Modern achievements of technical progress, in particular additive technologies (ATs) and three-dimensional printing, have been increasingly introduced in neurosurgical practice. The increasing complexity of surgical interventions requires thorough planning of surgery and a high level of training of young neurosurgeons. Creation of full-scale three-dimensional models for planning of surgery enables visualization of the anatomical region of interest. Additive technologies are especially extensively used in reconstructive surgery of skull defects. ATs enable fast and efficient solving of the following tasks: - generation of accurate models of the skull and an implant; - development and fabrication of individual molds for intraoperative formation of implants from polymeric two-component materials (e.g., PMMA); - fabrication of individual implants from titanium alloys or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for further use in surgery.