A cyclist left with devastating facial injuries after being knocked off his bike by a drunk driver is one of the first patients to benefit from a unique NHS body parts printing centre. The Bristol 3D Medical Centre covers the whole of the South West and is believed to be the first in the UK to have 3D imaging and printing all in a single space. It provides scientific and technical support to trauma patients through state-of-the-art digital technology and specialist reconstructive expertise. Dave Richards, from Devon, said following his accident that the centre helped to make him "feel a lot more comfortable in myself". In July 2021, Mr Richards was cycling in Meare, Somerset, with two of his friends when they were hit by a drunk driver. The 75-year-old from Devon said: "He [the driver] came up behind us and was on his phone. "My two friends were knocked clear but suffered multiple fractures. "I, unfortunately, got trapped underneath the vehicle so I got severe burns down one side of my body and face and suffered crush injuries, ribs on my right hand side." After multiple operations for reconstruction at Southmead Hospital in Bristol and rehabilitation with numerous medical specialties, Dave has begun to get his life back together. He continues to visit the the Bristol 3D Medical Centre where he has just been given facial prosthetics. A large orbital prosthesis and neck scar splints have been made with the aid of the centre's technology. Mr Richards can also have a 3D scan to capture his face digitally to develop replicas of him and then design the moulds for these prosthesis. Dave told the BBC: "Most times people don't notice. I have had to live with this for four years. Most of this is in my head. A lot of the time people don't notice or don't say anything or accept the way I am. He added: "If I want to socialise a lot I feel a lot more comfortable in myself if I look in a mirror and look reasonable." The Bristol 3D Medical Centre Opened in April on the old Frenchay Hospital site on the outskirts of the city. The centre consolidates a new science and technology service into one space and was one of the first NHS Hospitals to receive a PEEK printer which makes bespoke items at temperatures as high as 200 degrees celsius. A scanner tool can digitally map an individual's body whilst sat in a specifically designed planning room which is sophisticated enough to scan moving babies. The centre is also finding many new applications, such as a 3D model of a damaged kidney showing surgeons not only the area to be removed but nerves and blood vessels to avoid. It is believed to be the first in the UK to have this all in a single space. The majority of the equipment was funded by the Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of North Bristol NHS Trust. Follow BBC Bristol onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or viaWhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Cyclist gets 3D printed face after bike accident
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"Cyclist Receives 3D Printed Facial Prosthetics After Accident"
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TruthLens AI Summary
A cyclist named Dave Richards, who suffered severe facial injuries after being struck by a drunk driver, is among the first beneficiaries of the NHS's innovative 3D Medical Centre in Bristol. This facility, which is thought to be the first in the UK to integrate 3D imaging and printing capabilities within a single location, serves patients across the South West by offering advanced scientific and technical support for trauma recovery. After his accident in July 2021, where he was severely injured while cycling in Somerset, Richards underwent multiple reconstructive surgeries at Southmead Hospital. The new technology at the Bristol 3D Medical Centre has significantly aided his recovery by providing him with facial prosthetics, including a large orbital prosthesis and neck scar splints, enhancing both his physical appearance and emotional well-being. Richards expressed that these advancements have made him feel more comfortable in social settings, stating that most people do not notice his injuries and that he has to cope with the psychological effects of his condition over the past four years.
The Bristol 3D Medical Centre, which opened in April on the site of the former Frenchay Hospital, consolidates various scientific and technological services tailored to patient needs. This pioneering facility utilizes a state-of-the-art PEEK printer capable of creating custom medical items at high temperatures and features advanced scanning tools that can map an individual's body in detail, even capable of scanning moving babies. The centre is also exploring diverse applications for its technology, such as creating 3D models for surgical planning, which can help surgeons visualize complex anatomical structures. Funded largely by the Southmead Hospital Charity, this initiative represents a significant step forward in personalized medicine, enabling healthcare professionals to provide tailored solutions for patients like Richards, who are on the road to recovery from life-altering injuries.
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