A dog lost part of his skull because of cancer. So the researchers printed a 3D image

(CNN) –

A 9 year old dog has a new skull and a life without cancer through 3D printing.

Patches, the cancer dachschund, feels better thanks to researchers at a Canadian university.

Dr. Michelle Oblak, a veterinary surgical oncologist at the University of Guelph's College of Veterinary Medicine, Ontario, worked with Cornell University's small animal surgeon, Galina Hayes, to remove the tumor developing on the skull of patches. They replaced the missing skull piece with a 3D printed plate, manufactured by medical technology company Adeiss.

The university said the procedure was a first veterinarian in North America.

The bitch, aged 9, had a large cancerous tumor in the front of the skull that was dangerously close to her brain and orbits. She was so tall that she began to weigh down her head and rack her brains, according to the university.

Oblak mapped the dog's tumor using rapid prototyping and 3D-printed implants for reconstruction. She practiced removing the tumor on a 3D model of the skull and patches tumor.

"I was able to undergo the operation even before entering the operating room," Oblak said in a university statement.

Oblak praised the technology, adding that the patch used to replace the Patches skull was designed specifically for her.

"What was really interesting in this case, is the fact that we were able to take these scans and create a plate perfectly suited to this dog," said Oblak.

Without 3D printing, creating the plate is a more generic process. The titanium mesh is molded into a general model, which is then modified for the patient.

"[3D printing] Passes an implant designed for routine use requiring a modification to a patient to a patient-specific implant designed directly for them, "said Oblak.

Oblak mentioned the possibility of using this technology on humans. "What's really great is that we are able to use this advanced technology in our animal patients, but we can also provide valuable information so that it can be used at home." "Man," she said.

Doctors have used 3D printing in humans for purposes such as reconstruction of jaw bones and vertebrae, and 3D models have also been used to plan major surgical procedures.

Patches did not have cancer for six months and her surgery was a success, said her owner Danielle Dymeck. Without any connection to the operation, Patches slipped a disc in his back shortly after the procedure, but Dymeck's attitude is still positive.

"She was ready to become a dog again," Dymeck said of Patches' recovery. "Cancer research as they do is very important for humans and animals."

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