What if a computer would be able to design tailored
devices to a patient anatomy in transplant need? This is what 3D printing manufacturers are investing on.
Never heard of or slightly informed by this new technology
that the Tech World is writing about? Let’s introduce this advance.
3-D printing is a process that
creates a three-dimensional object, under a computer control, by building
sequential new layers of raw materials. These layers are attached until an
object is complete. Not only this technology can assemble in a time record any
type of device, but it allows to generate extremely complex configurations and
shapes.
This advanced technology is
currently operating in 31 medical procedures (e.g. Neurosurgery; Cardio;
Oncology; Transplant surgery).
Bioprinting tissues and organoids.
Bioprinting is the three-dimensional printing
of biological tissue and organs through the layering of living cells.
Two main focuses can be examined. The first one, is the ability to create tissue constructs or organoids,
which can be used for medical research. They also represent cheaper
alternatives to human organ transplants.
Medical laboratory and research company
‘Organovo’, is experimenting
with printing liver which can help with the studying of organs in vitro.
The second one, refers to the development of tissues or organoids that
can simulate how human tissue would react to drugs, diseases or surgical
interventions.
Surgical planning with the use of 3D printed models.
Many medical procedures can be very
complicated, even for highly skilled surgeons. That’s why, for example, by
holding a 3D bone model in hand, doctors are able to make a diagnosis, plan the
operation, practice before performing operation and have a better understanding
what they are dealing with. Also, patient`s education
plays a significant role. Doctors can explain to the patient the surgical plan
and the expected outcome of the operation; therefore, the doctor-patient
confidence will be built.
Custom-made prosthetics.
3D
printing can be used to produce prosthetic limbs, which are customized for
every patient. As the technology allows to speed up the process, amputees won’t
have to wait for months to get prosthetics.
Another advantage is the lower
price of these products, that will make them more affordable to patients while
at the same time the high functionality of prosthetics remains as traditionally
manufactured one.
Producing smarter drugs.
Not
only in surgery but 3-D printing is now used in Pharmaceutical research and
production of drugs. It has many benefits as the control accuracy of dose, the
consistency in high production and possibility of elaborating complex pills.
With the ability of 3D printing to produce medications, people could
take one tablet containing multiple drugs, with the
dosage of each medicine tailored to the patient’s age, gender, race and weight.
Last but not least it will considerably decrease the risk of adverse
reactions.
This fast advancing
technology will constantly evolve, and this is why it is defined as the Medicine of
the Future. Not only that hip or skull
are the beta of this unlimited discovery, but blood, muscle, skin, veins and
other vital organs will one day see the light.
Hope you find this article useful! We are
looking forward for your comments and questions.
References:
Calderone, L.
(2018, June 03). 3D Printing for Surgical Procedures. Retrieved from
https://www.manufacturingtomorrow.com/article/2018/03/3d-printing-for-surgical-procedures/11119
Center for Devices
and Radiological Health, U. (2018, September 27). 3D Printing of Medical
Devices. Retrieved from
https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/3dprintingofmedicaldevices/default.htm
Greene, J. (2018,
February 04). Medical 3-D printing is 'future of surgery'. Retrieved from
https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20180204/news/652091/medical-3-d-printing-is-future-of-surgery
Nawrat, A. (2018,
August 07). 3D printing in the medical field: Four major applications
revolutionising the industry. Retrieved from
https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/features/3d-printing-in-the-medical-field-applications/
Pando, A. (2018,
January 17). How 3D Printing Could Change The Health Industry. Retrieved from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/01/17/how-3d-printing-could-change-the-health-industry/#5b1e427351ce
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