In the world of modern medical technology, it is crucial to be curious and open to new ideas. Works by Merim Jusufbegovicand Adi Pandzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) researchers and lecturers at the Faculty of Health Studies and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Sarajevo, best confirm this. This duo, whose achievements show that BiH can be a pioneer in the field of science, medicine and technology, have been collaborating for several years on projects that have brought significant progress in the field of 3D printing for medical purposes. Together, they published three scientific papers that were recognized at the international level, but their greatest achievement so far is the creation of the so-called head phantom – a model used for testing and calibration of radiological devices. This is the first time that a model like this has been made using a 3D printer in BiH.
Benefit for pediatric patients
”For 3D printing of the head, as well as other parts of the body, it is important that we have images of the patient in a medical image format known as DICOM. Using specialized programs, we use the recordings to create a virtual model of that part of the body. After we have made it, additional checks follow, and after that we load the model into a program specially designed for 3D printing. The last check follows, after which we determine the orientation and the support system for 3D printing”, explains Jusufbegovic for Forbes BiH.
Using this 3D printed model of the head reduced the radiation during CT scans by more than 45 percent, which represents a significant improvement in the safety of these examinations, especially for children.
“The protocol for optimizing imaging parameters has already been used by the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, and we plan to offer it to all healthcare institutions in BiH. With this technology, we really managed to optimize the imaging parameters for the pediatric population and reduce the radiation dose for the age group 0-1 by 45.1 percent, as well as for the age groups 1-2 by 42.6 percent, 2-6 by 38.8 percent, and the 6-10 age group by 32.3 percent. These are significant reductions in radiation, and through analyzes and discussions with radiologists, we determined that we do not lose diagnostic accuracy, that is, there is no loss of diagnostic information, which is the most important thing,” says Jusufbegovic and emphasizes: “Children are a particularly vulnerable group of patients due to their radio sensitivity, and dose reduction of radiation during imaging of pediatric patients is not only important but necessary.”
In the coming period, they say, their focus will be on creating more complex anatomical models as well as advanced surgical guides, and they also hope to cooperate with international research centers and universities.
The transfer of knowledge through workshops is also one of their goals, and young researchers and students who want to enter the world of medical technology and learn about the latest achievements and practical applications of 3D printing in healthcare will not have to wait long for that, because this duo will organize the SaMED conference in Sarajevo which will last from September 19th to 22nd this year.
“In the long term, we plan to cooperate with ministries and regulatory agencies on the development of guidelines and standards for the safe and effective use of 3D printing in medicine. The goal is to position BiH as a leader in this innovative field and, in the end, to improve health care for our fellow citizens,” says Merim.
Their innovations do not end here. Jusufbegovic and Pandzicalso created a 3D laryngoscope – a device used during invasive medical procedures, and a hand model on which young doctors will be trained.
How challenging it is to do science in BiH
When asked how challenging it is to work on innovations like these in our country, taking into account limited resources and support, interlocutor said:
“Honestly, it is very difficult and challenging to do science in BiH in general, especially when you are the first in a field. With the help of my colleague Adi Pandzic, with whom I work on all these projects, it is unlikely that any of the above would have been realized. Its initial infrastructure as well as know-how in the field of additive manufacturing were crucial. Also, without the support of the Faculty of Health Studies headed by Prof. dr. Arzija Pasalic, it would be impossible, taking into account that in the beginning we did not meet the understanding of the institutions where we applied for projects in order to engage in scientific research work and to establish the first 3D printing laboratory in medicine in this area. Our biggest challenge right now is resources in terms of consumables that we need for further research.”
3D printing technology is still relatively new, especially in BiH, which means there is a lot of room for research and discovery.
“My message to young researchers and students who want to enter this world is simple: don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions and push the boundaries. The challenges you face today will only make you more skilled and experienced researchers in the future”, concludes Jusufbegovic, Forbes writes.
