Stereolithographic biomodeling to create tangible hard copies of cardiac structures from echocardiographic data: in vitro and in vivo validation.

Objectives: This study investigated the feasibility, accuracy and clinical potential of creating polymer hard copies of echocardiographic data using stereolithography.

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography has so far been limited by the need to display reconstructed 3D objects on a two-dimensional screen. Thus, tangible stereolithographic polymer models created from echocardiographic data could enhance our spatial perception of cardiac anatomy and pathology.

Flap surgery: experience with 1,030 operations and cephalometric investigation.

The authors report 1,030 (velo)pharyngoplasties performed in 40 years. The anatomical result was good in 98%, hyperrhinophony ceased or became minimal in 90% after surgery. The surgical indication and technique, the operative complications and the factors influencing the functional effect are discussed.

[Cranial structure in unilateral complete cleft lip and palate in children 8-12 years of age].

The tele-X-ray photographs of 108 patients with single-sided cleft lips and palate were compared with 71 normal controls. The examination proved that a basic crane structure difference can be found between the groups. The group with cleft has a characteristic face with significant skeletal and dental changes.

[Craniofacial morphology of the complete unilateral cleft lip and palate between the ages of 8-12].

108 cephalograms of complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients, divided into two groups according to ages, had been compared to 71 normal controls. The study demonstrated that there are basic differences in facial morphology between the groups. The cleft sample has a retrognathic facial configuration with significantly different skeletal sagittal and vertical trend compared to the normal.