3D Systems marking guides

For PEEK Single Stage cases, 3D Systems offers surgical marking guides and anatomical models  to assist with the craniotomy. Marking guides are available in either a cap (outer marking wall) or ring style (inner marking wall).

Navigation

Navigation can be integrated into PEEK Single Stage cases. Transfer the planned resection outline to the patient’s bony anatomy using compatible navigation system (STL and DICOM files). 

Easy workflow

PEEK Single Stage cases can be initiated and managed via desktop or mobile through our Stryker iD Portal. Each case is managed in four simple steps: 1. Case initiation, 2. Design session, 3. Case approval, 4. Shipment, which can all be tracked through the portal.

Shorter operating time⁵

Single stage cranioplasty can avoid a second procedure and reduce overall operating time⁵. Longer operative times require prolonged anesthesia, which is known to be an independent risk factor for postoperative complications and should therefore be prevented⁷

Reduced burden on patient⁵

Since only one surgical procedure is required, hospitalisation time is reduced, and no helmet needs to be worn by the patient during revalidation to protect the underlying soft tissues. Also, immediate aesthetically satisfying reconstruction of the defect can be performed. Overall, single-stage cranioplasties therefore reduces the burden on the patient⁵

Functional & cosmetic outcomes^2,3,4,6

The functional and cosmetic outcomes achieved with these surgeries are satisfying for surgeons and patients and remain stable throughout long-term follow-up^{2, 3, 4, 6}.Instances most convincing to benefit from a single stage customised cranial implant may include nonhair-bearing regions, areas of actual or predicted male pattern hair loss, and potential areas of thin, irradiated scalps at risk for material extrusion³

Complete resection of the tumor is the most important aspect to reach cure in patients with intraosseous meningiomas and can be planned preoperatively in a three-dimensional virtual model, in which also the implant is designed to ensure perfect fit to the resection line. Safety margins can be considered with this procedure to ensure resection of all tumorous tissue⁴

No image artifacts^6,8,9

PEEK does not cause image artifacts and therefore allows imaging follow-up of the patients with either CT or MRI6. No negative consequences have been observed if radiotherapy is performed after insertion of PEEK implants^{8, 9}