Application of 3D printing in Medicine
Over the past decade, 3D printing has found its use in a wide range of industries. One such industry is medicine. 3D printing is helping revolutionise the health sector and rising people’s health prospects.
About 3D printing
3D (three dimensional) printing is the process of creating solid 3D objects from a collection of images in the form of a digital file. 3D printing also called as rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing has been in use since 1984. The technology was used most in the industrial sector in the 1980s and its use started in medicine field in the early 1990s when ‘bio ink’ was made. Bio ink is a gel made of live cells and is used in a specialised printing cartridge. By using various processes, bio ink is used replicate the live cells.
How the technology works in medicine?
The present available advanced imaging systems are used to take a detailed CAT scan of an organ. This scan is then translated into a digital model. A 3D printer uses the digital model to create the required organ by additive processes in which successive layers of material are assembled on top of one another to build the desired object. The printer may use plastic, liquid resin, gypsum powder, or even metal that is melted together with a laser. As the process builds the objects directly from a digital model, it increases precision. The process is different from older manufacturing techniques, which usually rely on removal (by cutting, drilling, chopping, etc.) instead of addition. Because of this reason, 3D-printed solutions are often cost-effective.
What are the applications of 3D printing in medicine?
The application of 3D printing in medicine has many benefits including the customization and personalization of medical products, drugs, and equipment; cost-effectiveness; increased productivity; the democratization of design and manufacturing; and enhanced collaboration. Presently the technology is used in the field of medicine for prosthesis, dental implants, hip implants, replacing a missing piece of skull bone, simple vessel and skin grafts.
Medical education
Presently, surgeons are able to create anatomical models to simulate an operation for practice before the actual surgery. Medical students can study anatomical models without the fear of contracting with any kind of infection.
Customised drugs
There are possibilities in 3D printing to create customized drugs. Through this patients couldprint their homemade medicine.
What are ethical concerns in use of 3D printing in medicine?
The use of the technology raises a number of ethical questions that need to be addressed as these technologies develop. The three ethical issues that are raised are: testing for safety and efficiency, justice in access to health care, and can these technologies should be used to enhance the capacity of individuals beyond what is ‘normal’ for humans. Deeper ethical and social issues may emerge as the technology progresses.
