3D Printing the future: 5 Applications of 3D Printing in Medical Field

3D printing is used in many fields nowadays along with the medical and dental fields too. In my previous blog, I had written about the main four applications of 3D printing in dentistry. In this blog, I will be writing on 5 applications of 3D printing in the medical field.

Personalise, precision in the medical field is on the rise. New technology is bringing doctor and patient closure by delivering treatment and giving customised services comfort and personalised treatment.

Myself Ravindra Gavde, NextGen 3D Guide, founder of the Facebook group "Mission 3D for Generation Next" and my mission in the coming 3 years is to prepare a career seeking 10000 students for future opportunities in 3D Printing.

Following are the 5 applications of 3D printing in the medical field.

1. Anatomical models patient wise

Anatomical models normally which we see at ENT specialist, where eye, nose or ear 3D model is kept near the doctor to explain the patient regarding their problems. Due to 3D printing technology, the patient can be 3D scanned, and as per their configuration 3D model can be built. This anatomical 3D model can be referred to for preoperative planning, visualisation, and sizing for pre-fitting medical equipment for a routine and highly complex procedure.

2. Medical instruments and devices

As you know 3D printing is a rapid prototyping process. Because of reviews and low cost, many manufacturers of medical tools have developed and adopted the technology to produce brand new medical devices and surgical instruments. Overall 80 to 90% reduction in lead time for prototypes is due to in-house 3D printing.

3. Affordable artificial body part (Prostheses)

Simple prostheses only available in a few sizes, the patient has to use what best fits him. Custom-fit prostheses are expensive depending upon a person's individual size and shape. Secondly, as a child grows the protheses has to be adjusted which is very expensive to repair. 3D printing prostheses has got the required size will be much cheaper than those available in the market.

4. Solutions for foot-related issues (Insoles and Orthoses)

Insoles and Orthoses are solutions for a number of foot-related issues and can be very effective for reducing pain and addressing other physical or postural problems.
Insoles are the product that you can find in pharmacies and other healthcare shops. Insoles offer to cushion and support the foot, which reduces pain. Insoles can be used by wide a range of people as possible.

Orthoses are similar to inserts, but with the important distinction of being custom-made.

5. 3D printed organs, Tissues, Blood Vessels.

Normal procedure is using autograft of tissue from one point to another of the same individual body, or organ transplant from a donor. Research in the field of 3D bioprinting is hoping to soon be able to create tissues, blood vessels, and organs on demand. While 3D bioprinting fully functional internal organs such as hearts, kidneys, and liver still sound futuristic, advancements with hybrid 3D techniques are happening at a very rapid rate.

Overall there is tremendous research going on in the medical field to make use of 3D printing technology. With the help of man's original tissues different organs are being built, which can be replaced with the damaged organs.

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