Orthotic helmets are crucial for some infants to correct conditions like platycephaly and craniosynostosis. These helmets need to be custom-made to fit each infant precisely, which requires accurate measurement of the infant’s head. AC Medical usually measures infants’ heads by X-ray CT scans. However, this method is both expensive and inconvenient. Thankfully, Now AC Medical introduced the EinScan H2 3D scanner, offering a faster, safer, and more cost-effective solution for cranial measurement and helmets customization.

Information

Company Name: AC Medical

Location: Ecuador

Background: AC Medical is from Ecuador and specializes in designing and printing biocompatible models. The company has now added services to traumatology and orthopedics to design and manufacture 3D prosthetics and orthotics.

Need: An easy and economical way to measure infants’ head

Solution: EinScan H2 3D scanner, Oqton Freeform software, a FDM 3D printer

Result:

  1. Accurate data on the infant’s head in minutes
  2. The price of one measurement is much cheaper than an X-ray CT Scan

Why Some Infants Need Orthotic Helmet?

Certain infants develop conditions such as platycephaly (flat head syndrome) or craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones). These conditions require early intervention to ensure proper head shape and avoid complications. The orthotic helmet is an excellent tool to guide the skull’s growth, correcting its shape over time. Only by obtaining accurate data on the infant’s head can we ensure that the helmet is designed to fit the infant’s head perfectly, provide the best possible correction, and ensure comfort and safety.

Plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly

Pain Points of X-Ray CT Scans Measurement Method

Before, AC Medical usually measured infants’ heads for helmet customization by X-ray CT scans. This method posed several issues: it required the baby to be asleep, involved exposure to radiation, and took about an hour to complete. Additionally, the cost was prohibitive, with prices around $200 in Quito and $400 in Guayaquil, making it less accessible for many families.

Learn More about the 3D Digitizing Solution for Infant Cranial Remolding Orthosis

The EinScan H2 3D Scanner Solution

AC Medical has now introduced the EinScan H2 without hesitation, providing the scanning and measurement of infant’s heads in-house. Using the EinScan H2 does not require the infant to be asleep, and there is no risk of radiation exposure. It has the advantage of being fast, accurate, and safe.

Scanned data of a baby's head
Scanned data of a baby’s head

The whole helmet customization process involves scanning the head, designing the helmet using Oqton Freeform software, and printing it with an FDM 3D printer. This method ensures accuracy and enhances the aesthetic quality through water transfer printing. AC Medical’s HEAD V series of cranial helmets are customized using this process and are lighter and more comfortable for patients.

Cranial Orthotic Helmet-Hed V2
Cranial Orthotic Helmet-Hed V2
The baby's head is corrected after using an orthotic helmet.
The baby’s head is corrected after using an orthotic helmet

Conclusion

In summary, the EinScan H2 3D scanner addresses the significant challenges of X-ray CT scans in customizing cranial orthotic helmets, offering a safer, faster, and more affordable alternative. Are you struggling with the high costs and inconvenience of your baby’s orthodontic helmet? Consider the innovative and efficient solution provided by the EinScan H2!