Daniel Rickey Colloquium
Fri. Feb. 26 12:30 PM
- Fri. Feb. 26 01:20 PM
Location: 1L06
Daniel RickeyImaging PhysicistCancerCare Manitoba
Three-dimensional printing has increased in popularity over the past few years. At CancerCare we are evaluating a low-cost consumer-grade printer and are using it in surgery and radiation therapy. By printing a model of a cancer, a surgeon is better able to discuss an operation with the patient. The same model is also used for planning the surgery which saves upwards of an hour of expensive operating room time. In many cases, radiation is also used to treat cancer. Because the amount of radiation used is very high, it is extremely important to get the quantity right. For cancers close to the skin, for example on the nose, the amount of radiation can be subtly tailored by placing plastic or rubber directly on the skin. Currently sheets of rubber are used. Cutting and applying these pieces is a clumsy and time-consuming process. However, we are able to 3D-print perfect ones. This results in a reduction of expensive treatment time and in an improved quality of treatment.
Note that this presentation is intended for a general audience.