According to research by a marketing firm, medical 3D printing and its market were estimated at $1.25 billion in 2019. The future market value may grow to $6.08 billion by 2027. The figure itself indicates growth potential within the healthcare market.
The healthcare industry and several other sectors benefit from 3D printing. This technology offers patients the best-personalized care with its better-performing devices.
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D is not the owner or creator of the image.
With the advancement in medical technology, doctors are also reaping the benefits. It allows a better understanding of complex causes, resulting in a higher standard of care. In this article, we’ll discuss types of 3D printing medical models.
Let’s take a cursory look.
What is 3D printing?
It’s a manufacturing method that makes objects by depositing materials or fusing. It may include metal. Ceramics, powders, plastic, and living cell- layers consist of a 3D object. It’s also referred to as solid free-from technology, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping.
This technology is constantly used for creating three-dimensional, complex objects. It has the potential to provide flexible and patient-specific 3D printing implants.
Why 3D Printing?
- Proper anatomical visualization for the planning of complex operations
- Engineering of tissues
- Surgical equipment
- IVD (In-vitro diagnostic) medical devices.
Usage of medical 3D printing
With burgeoning technology, medical 3D printing is considered a boon. New tools and advanced therapeutic methods lead the entire medical industry to serve the patients better, and that too in a seamless way.
1. New Medical Instruments
Rapid prototyping and 3D printing go hand to hand. Due to its easy use and low cost, 3D printing has revolutionized entire medical development. In turn, medical tool manufacturers have already adopted the technology for producing brand new surgical instruments and medical devices.
According to an employee of a global provider of medical devices- Before our company brought the 3D printer, we relied on outside print vendors to get the prototypes. Our present number of 3D machines makes catering to the demand possible. Besides, the production rate has doubled, and a significant number has reduced the cost. The quality also plays a pivotal part in helping us stand out from the crowd. It allows for clear communication established between doctors and surgeons.
2.Surgical Models Curated for Specific Patients
3D printed medical models from patients can scan data. It’s becoming a popular and widely used personalized and precision medical tool. It can even tackle complex cases with top-notch efficiency. With its immediate effect and accuracy, OR teams can easily communicate and understand visual models.
Hospitals, healthcare professionals, and research organizations are using 3D printed anatomical models as the reference tools for preoperative planning, pre-fitting medical equipment, and intraoperative visualization. It’s used for both highly complex and routine procedures.
With 3D printing, MRI and CT scans are affordable and straightforward. It gives an additional view which helps the doctors to prepare better. In turn, it helps reduce the operating room’s cost and time. It also improves patient satisfaction, reducing recovery time and lowering anxiety.
3.Correct Orthoses and Insoles
Like the other medical devices, custom insoles and orthoses are sometimes inaccessible because of their high cost and long manufacturing time. Now, with 3D printing, it will not be the same case. Around the world, professionals are using 3D printing service to invent orthoses and insoles. Also, it plays a pivotal role in improving physical therapy.
The image is used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D is not the owner or creator of the image.
Before the inception of 3D printing, the entire course of physical therapy was difficult to use the customized tools. Now, with patient-specific 3D printing implants, doctors can assure the patients of better therapeutic outcomes that provide greater comfort at the same time.
4.Prostheses for Everyone
Either by accident or any clinical condition leads to losing a limb for thousands of people. However, only a few of them can recover their original function again. There are few sizes available for simple prostheses. So, the patients should confirm what fitting is best for them. The low cost of production and custom design helps the doctors and the patients to ensure a smooth therapy and overall treatment. The time of making the prostheses may take two weeks. Once done, it is ready for trial.
Therefore, prostheses are nearly affordable for everyone with the cost-efficiency and improvement of material properties.
Case Study
Joe DiMeo faced a car accident in 2018. As a result, he spent more than four months in a coma. His injuries are severe, especially his face and both hands. Returning to everyday life was almost impossible after the accident. In the meantime, a Belgian company Materialize has teamed up with the surgeons for Joe’s full face and double hand transplant. However, 3D printing facilitated this complex and time-sensitive procedure.
Within a few months of surgery, a 3D model was created according to the patient’s arm and face. After the rigorous preparation stage, a team of 80+ doctors is ready to start the 23- hour surgery. During the surgery time, custom 3D printed surgical guides were utilized. These patient-specific guides were used on Joe’s bones to ensure that the surgical procedures were done correctly.
Therefore, the precision and the overall surgery time improved Joe’s quality of life. Also, after this, people learned about 3D printing and its proper utilization.
Final Words
3D printing and its usage in medicine are considered a boon. Experts have termed the same as one of the most disruptive technologies. It has the potential to take medicine and healthcare to new heights while keeping it cost-efficient and productive. Also, there are webinars and public speeches to make people aware of the same.