Custom cranial medical prosthesis modeling software assisted by Artificial Intelligence for 3D Printing

• Grant number: 23/14057-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: March 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Thiago Nunes Palhares
• Grantee: Thiago Nunes Palhares
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais ; Atividades de atenção à saúde humana não especificadas anteriormente
• Principal investigators: Pedro Henrique Moreira de Freitas
• Associated research grant(s): 25/07368-0 - Development of a process for cranioplasty using SLS additive manufacturing with AI-assisted modeling, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/14401-1 - Custom cranial medical prosthesis modeling software assisted by Artificial Intelligence for 3D Printing, BP.TT; 24/14416-9 - Development of personalized cranial prostheses: 3D modeling and computational study, BP.TT; 24/10429-9 - Custom cranial medical prosthesis modeling software assisted by artificial intelligence for 3D printing, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Cranioplasty, a critical procedure for cranial reconstruction following decompressive craniectomy, faces challenges in terms of customization, efficiency, and affordability. In Brazil, between 2011 and 2021, there were approximately 16,106 cases of cranioplasty, according to data extracted from the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), highlighting the need for an enhanced solution to address a high volume of cases. In response to this, professionals trained at the CTI Renato Archer, a Brazilian technology center specializing in 3D printing solutions, initiated the development of software capable of generating initial estimates of cranial prostheses directly from computed tomography images (in DICOM format). This software will provide a reliable alternative to the traditional 3D modeling process for cranial prostheses and 3D printing molds. By learning from real cases resulting from their involvement in over 180 cases through SUS, and leveraging machine learning algorithms, this solution offers precise customization and eliminates production challenges such as high costs and lengthy lead times. The future vision is to commercialize the software and/or manufacture 3D-printed kits with prostheses and molds modeled by Artificial Intelligence, increasing accessibility, speed, and ultimately enhancing the company's competitiveness. This project aims to assist medical professionals in cranioplasty, improving clinical outcomes, reducing costs, making patient recovery more efficient, and ensuring satisfactory quality of life. (AU)