3D Lab

The past decade 3D imaging evolved towards a valuable technique which forms the base for patient specific solutions. 3D imaging and 3D printing are used in a wide variety of clinical cases in oral and maxillofacial surgery and are implemented in daily clinical practice. In 2006 a 3D lab started as part of the maxillofacial department and has developed since 2006 into an important part of patient care at the Radboud University Medical Centre. This 3D lab is fully integrated into the clinic, the lab engineers, doctors and patients work closely together. This cooperation enabled us to make 3D technologies quickly and easily accessible for both doctor and patient. New 3D technologies, such as patient specific virtual surgery planning and 3D-printed anatomical models, help to improve the care and the treatment plan of patients, while taking their specific individual needs and wishes into consideration. Since its foundation, the lab has been a great asset. Besides maxillofacial surgery, the 3D lab is involved in many other medical disciplines, in our own hospital and beyond. The integration of the 3D lab in the medical care process has a big impact on the 4 main stages of patient care: diagnostics, planning, treatment and evaluation. The past few years virtual reality and augmented reality evolved as a new and promising techniques. The Radboudumc 3D Lab has performed some early experiments using augmented reality in the operating theatre.