An Ex Vivo Pilot Study to Assess the Feasibility of 3D Printing of Orbital Implants in Horses.

This research article investigates the possibility of using 3D-printing technology to produce customized eye implants for horses, to improve cosmetic appearance after eye removal surgery. The study used 12 cadavers to test the feasibility and success of these custom printed orbital implants.

Research Methodology

• The study embarked upon the feasibility of manufacturing custom-made 3D-printed eye implants for horses using biocompatible material.
• Twelve cadaver heads of adult Warmbloods were collected from a slaughterhouse to conduct the study.
• One eye was removed from each cadaver head through a modified enucleation procedure, leaving the other eye intact for control comparison.
• Ocular measurements of each removed eye were taken using a caliper, and these measurements were used for prototype sizing.
• The 3D-images of the prototype were designed using the Blender software, and the prototypes were then 3D-printed using BioMed Clear resin via the stereolithography technique.

Findings and Observations

• All the printed implants were fitted into the corresponding orbital socket within the protective Tenon’s capsule and the conjunctive tissue.
• After implant fixation, the cadaver heads were frozen, followed by cutting thin slices in the transverse plane for further inspection and rating.
• A rating system was devised to evaluate the success of the implantation, looking at space for prosthesis, soft tissue coverage, symmetry to the neighboring structures, etc. The grading ranged from A (good) to C (poor).
• At the end of the experiment, 75% of heads received an A score, indicating proper fixation and placement of the implant, while 25% received a B score. This signifies satisfactory but not perfect placement of the prototype implants.
• Each 3D-printed implant cost approximately 7.30€ and took about five hours to print.

Conclusion and Future Scope

• The study established the successful production of a cost-effective and biocompatible eye implant made through 3D-printing technology.
• This marks a significant step in developing a solution for the aesthetic detriment horses endure post eye removal surgeries.
• The authors suggest that further studies may be needed to ascertain if these printed prototypes can be effectively used in vivo, i.e., in living animals.