3D printing in medicine
3D prints that reproduce organs, bones, prostheses, surgical guides and health devices.
The additive technology of 3D printers is revolutionizing the medical field and helping to save lives through the creation of customized models on the anatomy of patients.
3D printing is recognized as a technological innovation of absolute interest in the clinical, biomedical and patient care contexts.
To date, it is present only in a few hospital centers, this due to the skills that 3D printing in medicine requires both in terms of the use of anatomical reconstruction software tools and in terms of the use of the printer itself.
Modern technologies and materials are improving patient care, helping physicians work more effectively, and fueling new research that redefines medical horizons. Elastomeric and transparent materials open up a whole new range of possibilities for medical experts and engineers, such as on-the-spot printing of individual, realistic organ models. With the elastic, transparent and opaque models, the internal cavities can be well illuminated, while their durability allows teachers, trainees and doctors to handle and examine the models without fear of fracture.
These materials offer several new possibilities, especially for cardiovascular surgeons and interventional radiologists, as well as those conducting fluid dynamics studies and working in catheterization laboratories.
Doctors can perform complex operations in advance on a realistic and customized model of the patient’s organ made via 3D printing and simulate all possible scenarios. This reduces the risk of complications as well as time spent in the operating room and associated costs.
Furthermore, 3D printing models offer great potential for manufacturing and pre-testing custom implants, ensuring a better and more comfortable fit and reducing the risk of complications.
3D printing also offers numerous benefits for areas such as medical device prototyping, fluidics, preventive medicine, and dental and cosmetic surgery.
Personalized, efficient and advanced advanced medical solutions and methodologies for medical engineering, application in patient treatment and care, education and research, which save time and money, minimize the risk of complications and improve patient opportunities and quality of life are no longer a vision of the future.
Cutting-edge processes such as advanced 3D printing technologies and materials are making this possible today, ushering in the era of transformation and advancement in medicine.
Examples of 3D printing in the medical world
Blood vessels
Engineers are currently working to improve 3D printing technology in the medical field to enable mass printing of human organs for transplants.
This work involves creating vital blood vessels that could be used in the human body.
Support exoskeletons
3D printing also helps people on the outside. The development of these types of exoskeletons helps disabled people by providing them with support where they need it most.
3D printing also helps people on the outside. The development of these types of exoskeletons helps disabled people by providing them with support where they need it most.
Artificial bones
Biomedical engineers print a perfect prosthesis to repair or replace broken bones or problem areas. The printer uses calcium phosphate, the main constituent of natural bone. Once the 3D printed material is grafted into the patient’s bone, the two natural materials bond and “unify” over the following months.
Replacement fabric
Traditionally skin grafts are taken from other parts of the patient’s body to replace burned, damaged or diseased skin. The goal is to be able to grow replacement tissues and organs to address medical shortages and save lives around the world.