Associate Professor Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Laparoscopic Partial Gastrectomy with 3D Printed Cannulas in Feline Cadaver Specimens. Buote NJ, Porter I. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Objective: Describe the use of 3D printed laparoscopic ports for use in laparoscopic gastrectomy procedure in a feline cadaveric model. Study
Design: Cadaveric study. Animals: Nine feline specimens
Methods: A feline cadaveric model was used to test feasibility of partial gastrectomy with 3D printed cannulas. 3D printed cannulas facilitated the procedure due to their shortened length thereby allowing easier manipulation of intrabdominal tissues. Cannulas were designed using computer aided design software (Materialise 3-Matic, 44650 Helm Court, Plymouth, MI 48170). Prototypes were printed with a fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer (Prusa i3 MK3S+, Czech Republic) using PLA material. Four 5 mm ports were placed at the following locations: umbilicus, right and left paracostal, and left caudal abdomen. One 11.5 mm port was placed cranial to the pubis. A laparoscopic Cobra liver retractor was placed through a small incision caudal to the xiphoid when necessary for visualization of the fundus. An endoGIA stapler loaded with blue cartridges was then placed through the caudal abdominal port to remove the greater curvature of the stomach.
Results: Successful partial gastrectomy was performed in all nine specimens. Specific technique refinements were made with regards to angle of gastric resection and port placement.
Conclusion: 3D printed cannulas allowed for easier manipulation of laparoscopic instruments and completion of a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy. These cannulas can be created for individual patients in autoclavable, biocompatible materials to be used in live patients.