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Case report
Bespoke 3D printed eye cover for teen with rhabdomyosarcoma
  1. Aidan O’Sullivan1,
  2. Ed Duffy2,
  3. Kevin O’Sullivan1,
  4. Una Cronin1,
  5. Emma Lyons1,
  6. Leonard O’Sullivan1 and
  7. Feargal Twomey2
  1. 1Rapid Innovation Unit, CONFIRM Centre for Smart Manufacturing, Health Research Institute & School of Design, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
  2. 2Department of Palliative Medicine, Milford Care Centre, Castletroy, Ireland
  1. Correspondence to Professor Leonard O’Sullivan, Rapid Innovation Unit, CONFIRM Centre for Smart Manufacturing, Health Research Institute & School of Design, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland; leonard.osullivan{at}ul.ie

Abstract

Background We report a case of using 3D printing to create a bespoke eye cover for an 18-year-old man with left maxillary alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Further, the patient had proptosis causing chemosis and subsequent conjunctival abrasions. This had been managed by taping a large dressing around the eye for a number of weeks previously.

Methods A 3D scanner was used to capture the surface topography of the patients face. The data were imported into a CAD package and used as a guide to create a bespoke eye cover. The final design was 3D printed in a biocompatible material for use by the patient.

Results The scan, modelling, and printing of the bespoke cover was completed successfully in less than 72 hours.

Conclusion 3D printing offers a method to create bespoke solutions for patients in palliative care to meet rare and difficult clinical challenges.

  • head and neck
  • other cancer
  • hospice care
  • terminal care

https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-002900

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors FT and ED were responsible for the clinical care of the patient. AOS and KOS designed and fabricated the cover. EL advised on 3D scanning approaches. UC and LOS were responsible for the quality and ethical oversight of the project. All authors contributed to the writing and review of the manuscript.

    • Funding This publication has emanated from research supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) under Grant Numbers SFI 16/RC/3918 and SFI 20/COV/0031, cofunded by the European Regional Development Fund.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Patient consent for publication Not required.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.