oThimble - From seed to surgeon

3^rd Annual Congress and Medicare Expo on Trauma and Critical Care

March 13-14, 2017 London, UK

Patrick Carroll, Anthony Tansey and Brendan Carroll

St Vincent′s University Hospital, Ireland Institute of Technology Tallaght, Ireland

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Trauma Treat

Abstract :

Introduction: When placing wires on bone in deep tissues the orthopedic surgeon is at risk of glove penetration and sharp injury. We created a simple 3D printed device to help protect the finger of the surgeon from injury while operating. This device acts as a thimble while the operating surgeon uses sharp objects. This device could be used for numerous operations in orthopedic surgery and any type of surgery where sharp tipped wires are placed in deep tissues. We describe the steps from idea to functioning prototype. This prototype is specific for hip surgery. Aim: Aim of this study is to develop a simple 3D printed device to facilitate safe and accurate placement of percutaneous k-wires during surgery. Method: We designed a low fidelity prototype using computer-aided-design (CAD) computer software. We used a selective laser sintering (SLS) three-dimensional printer to create a rapid prototype printed model. We subsequently re-developed numerous versions of the device to create a usable prototype. We conducted material testing and sterilized our device. The device is an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer. Results: We designed a novel thimble surgical device using CAD software and 3D printing technology. After material testing a practical device was produced and tested. Conclusion: We have created a practical working prototype of a thimble device (oThimble) to be used in the operating theatre to protect the surgeon from sharp injury. We will investigate the process of bringing a prototype to market and conduct a feasibility study.