Commonly Asked Questions About ProtoMED^® Models

• Your patient is scanned according to the ProtoMED CT Scan Protocol
• The Dicom image data is sent to ProtoMED on a CD or uploaded to the ProtoMED ftp site.
• Medical imaging software is used to create a three dimensional computer model.
• ProtoMED emails the physician jpg images of the model for approval before the physical model is produced.
• The computer model is then built into a physical plastic model using a process called stereolithography (SLA). SLA is a highly accurate process where computer driven lasers take the data from the computer model and photovoltaically cure the resin layer by layer until the model is complete.
• Upon completion the model of the SLA process, the model is shipped to the hospital or surgeon for preoperative planning.

• Models are delivered in 5-7 days. The physician’s needs are certainly taken into account when planning the manufacturing schedule.
   

• The cost of the model is a function of the height and cross sectional area of the
  desired anatomy. ProtoMED provides a quotation based on the size of the model. Typically, pricing ranges from $550 to $2800.

The technology is still in its infancy and all the possibilities are yet to be defined. Currently ProtoMED provides models for:

• Reconstructing craniofacial anomalies, including prebending plates prior to surgery.
• Designing patient fitted prostheses for cranioplasties.
• Planning distraction osteogenesis cases.
• Designing patient fitted prostheses for TMJ cases.
• Planning complex tumor resections.
• Planning dental implant cases, including patient fitted prostheses design.
• Planning complex orthopaedic cases, including patient fitted prostheses design.

Surgeons find the models are highly effective for communications among the team of surgeons, and with the patient and family. In addition, the models serve as an accurate record of the case.