Individualized 3D-Printed Tissue Retraction Devices for Head and Neck Radiotherapy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer may cause various oral sequelae, such as radiation-induced mucositis. To protect healthy tissue from irradiation, intraoral devices can be used. Current tissue retraction devices (TRDs) have to be either individually manufactured at considerable cost and time expenditure or they are limited in their variability. In this context, a 3D-printed, tooth-borne TRD might further facilitate clinical use.

Methods

A novel approach for the manufacturing of TRDs is described and its clinical application is analysed retrospectively. The devices were virtually designed for fabrication by 3D-printing technology, enabling-in only a single printing design-caudal or bi-lateral tongue displacement, as well as stabilization of a tongue-out positi

SUBMITTER: Herpel C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8021903 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature