Page 209 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

Service Enhancement Presentations
Service Enhancement Presentations

F5.1 Healthcare Advances, Research and Innovations 09:00 Room 421

3D Printing – the Next Level to Reach for Splinting and Assistive Devices
Chan LHH, Lam ECF, Tang SKL, Lam MCY
Occupational Therapy Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017
Introduction
3D printing allows occupational therapist to provide sophisticated splint and specific assistive devices to tackle patients’
problems in activities of daily living. Four scenarios in applying 3D printing will be illustrated. Also, the outcome compared
with conventional methods will be further elaborated.

Objectives
To determine the outcome of applying 3D printing in four scenarios:
(1) Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) connective device
(2) Hand functional splint for amputated fingers
(3) Ear splint
(4) Needle assistive device
Methodology
First scenario
Poor eye-hand coordination of patient may increase the risk of peritonitis when performing CAPD. A connective device could
be precisely produced with 3D printing technology. The CAPD system was anchored on the connective device. The Tenckhoff
Catheter was stabilised on the movable tracks of the connective device. By moving the catheter along the tracts, this ensures
the connection process of Tenckhoff Catheter contamination-free .

Second scenario
A gentleman with four fingers amputated had limited hand function. By use of 3D printing, sophisticated parts with hinge to
mimic little finger (L/F) were made. A dynamic functional splint was prescripted that allowed patient to control the mimicked
L/F by wrist action.

Third scenario
Ear splint has been used to control ear keloid. However, the pressure reduces once the keloid decreases in thickness.
A 3D-printed G-shape serial adjustable clip was provided according to the shape of keloid. Patient could self-adjust the
pressure by turning the screw to accommodate the reduction of keloid size.

Fourth scenario
Self-injection is a challenge for patients with fair hand functions. Without good anchor over injector, patients encounter
difficulty to hold and control the depth of needle insertion. A 3D-printed adaptor allowing precise configuration to fit with
injector can solve the problem of fair hand function.

Results
First scenario Wednesday, 17 May
More renal patients could perform CAPD by themselves with the connective device. The risk of peritonitis for the patients can
also be reduced.

Second scenario
The hand function of patient was improved that one could grasp and release small size object and paper. Patient could also
generate a pinch grip of 0.5kg and pick up 100g object.

Third scenario
The keloid size and pigmentation was reduced. Patient reported that the pressure of splint could be adjusted, and was more
consistent compared with conventional design.

Fourth Scenario
Patient reported that the depth of needle insertion was well controlled and the custom-made design on wings of adaptor also
improved the handling of injector.

Conclusion
3D printing does enhance our clinic service qualities in splinting and assistive devices prescription. It helps therapists to
create a real product from an idea.

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