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PSI Production, Delivery & Surgical Readiness

This article explains what happens after a case is approved in CustoMED, including file availability, production options, expected timelines, validation responsibilities, sterilization requirements, and surgical readiness considerations.

Updated over 2 months ago

Once a case is approved in CustoMED, the finalized outputs required for manufacturing patient-specific instruments (PSIs) are generated and made available for download. These outputs reflect the exact approved plan and cannot be modified unless the case is reopened.

All PSIs and anatomical models are provided non-sterile. Production, validation, sterilization, and final use must be planned carefully to align with the scheduled surgery.


What Happens After Case Approval

After approval:

  • The case status is updated to Approved

  • Finalized output files become available in the case file list

  • Planning and alignment parameters are locked

  • Any further changes require reopening the case

All generated files represent the final approved configuration.


Expected Timelines

CustoMED aims to support cases as efficiently as possible while maintaining quality and safety.

Review & Processing

  • We do our best to review and respond within 24 hours

  • In some cases, processing may take up to 72 hours, depending on:

    • Case complexity

    • Surgeon availability

    • Time of submission during the week (e.g., weekends or holidays)

Production & Delivery

Production time depends on the selected manufacturing option:

  • Centralized or third-party facilities may require an additional 1–2 days

  • Point-of-care (POC) or in-house printing can often be completed the same day

Sterilization (Required)

  • CustoMED does not perform sterilization and does not deliver sterile devices

  • All PSIs and anatomical models are delivered non-sterile

  • Sterilization must be performed by the hospital or designated production facility

  • Required sterilization time varies by institution and must be included in surgical planning

General recommendation:
To allow sufficient time for review, production, delivery, and sterilization, cases should be submitted so that the final PSI is available at least 72 hours before surgery, whenever possible.

For urgent cases, please contact CustoMED support as early as possible.


What You Receive

Depending on the procedure and configuration, downloadable outputs may include:

  • PSI STL files
    Ready-to-print files defining the patient-specific instrument geometry.

  • Anatomical models (STL)
    Pre- or post-operative bone models, when applicable.

  • Planning / Summary PDFs
    Documentation summarizing the approved plan, key parameters, and visual references.
    These documents support traceability and review but are not instructions for use.

All downloads are logged for audit purposes.


Production Options

You may choose the production method that best fits your workflow:

Hospital In-House / Point-of-Care Printing

  • Print PSIs and models using approved in-house equipment

  • Same-day production is possible in many cases

  • Follow internal quality and validation procedures

CustoMED-Managed Production

  • CustoMED coordinates production according to predefined specifications

  • Finished parts are delivered to the hospital or designated facility

  • Devices are delivered non-sterile

Third-Party Manufacturing

  • Export files to an external manufacturing partner

  • Ensure the partner follows appropriate material, quality, and handling requirements


Validation of Printed PSIs

Before sterilization and surgical use, users must validate the printed PSI:

  • Confirm the printed geometry matches the approved digital model

  • Verify anatomical fit using a printed bone model, if available

  • Inspect for print defects, deformation, or surface issues

Validation is the responsibility of the user or institution performing the print.


Sterilization & Surgical Use

  • Sterilization must be performed according to CustoMED & hospital protocols

  • CustoMED does not control sterilization methods or timelines

  • The surgeon must confirm sterilization prior to use

The final decision to use the PSI is made intraoperatively by the surgeon.
PSIs are optional tools that support but do not replace clinical judgment.

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