Dachshund fitted with 3D-printed titanium skull plate following tumor removal

University of Guelph researchers used rapid prototyping to create a 3D model of a dog's skull and tumor, allowing veterinary surgeons to practice the procedure and design a custom titanium plate. This innovative approach reduced surgery time to four hours, with the dog recovering quickly.

What was the main risk posed by the tumor in the patient's skull?

• It was affecting the patient's vision.

• It was pushing dangerously close to the brain and eye socket.

• It was causing severe headaches.

• It was causing memory loss.

What innovative technique did the University of Guelph researchers use?

• Ultrasound imaging

• Robotic assistance

• Laser surgery

• Rapid prototyping to print a 3D model

How did the 3D model assist the surgeons?

• It enabled them to perform a test run of the tumor removal.

• It helped in reducing the patient's anxiety.

• It allowed them to visualize the tumor in real-time.

• It provided a detailed map of the patient's brain.

What was created to replace the parts of the skull that would be lost?

• A custom-fitted titanium plate

• A steel plate

• A ceramic implant

• A plastic replica

How long did the surgery take using the new technique?

• Two hours

• Four hours

• Six hours

• Eight hours