Medical 3D Printing Solutions

For thirty years, medical 3D printing has struggled to gain traction within the industry. However in recent years, it’s become readily available and better suited to medical applications. Accomplished by increases in precision and surface finish, being able to print at resolutions of 20 microns on printers like the Form 2 and recent breakthroughs in material science.

3D printing is a manufacturing method used too additively manufacture parts. 3D printing can now be accomplished in a plethora of different methods united around one common attribute – layer based fabrication.

Frequently we see anatomical models being used for planning surgery, educating students and explaining procedures to patients. Being able to physically show fractures, tumours or any other abnormality from scan data. For example, the process helps radiologists and surgeons visualize and create solutions for complex pathologies and abnormalities.

In medical 3d printing, you can now print customized parts at 20 micron resolutions. With a smooth surface finish, a wide range of mechanical properties and with relative ease. How does this translate to success in the medical industry? Lets have a look at some case studies to answer this query.

Custom Stents for the Perfect Fit

Custom made tracheal stents are used to open patients air ways. Everyone’s airways are different though and there can be issues and discomfort using a straight stent (shown to the left). From scan data custom made stents can be medical 3d printing (show to the right). Check Out Dr. George Cheng work on creating tracheal stents.

Prototyping New Medical Devices

Sutrue created an automatic suturing device that performs neat and repeatable stitches, reducing the chance of tissue damage. The functional prototype (above) was prototyped with a Formlabs 3D printers by engineer Alex Berry and consultant cardiac surgeon Richard Trimlet.

Download a case study to learn more about how medical device engineers use the Form 2 to accelerate product development by iterating complex designs in days instead of weeks, at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing or silicone moulding.

Mapping the Brain

Over 200,000 people from 145 countries are mapping neurons. Eyewire is an online game where you map the brain. Eyewire use the Form 2 3D printer when creating complex neuron structures providing a better understanding.

Restoring Smiles

Reducing human error is one of the frequent benefits of medical 3D printing. Dentists often free hand drill attachment points, for dental implants. They should be using drill guides however drill guides can traditionally take a lot of time to be manufactured.

In steps of medical 3D printing, bring the manufacture of biocompatible drill guides in house with a formlabs printer. Therefore reducing lead time and print directly from software that works off accurate scan data streamlining your process.

Medical Selfies

Anatomical models can be used in a variety of way and not always for planning and demonstrating advanced surgical procedures. Steven Keating volunteered for a study where his brain was scanned. Subsequently he discovered he had a baseball sized tumor.

Being an advocate patient data Steven had medical 3D printing his tumour to better educate others on the subject, he uses the anatomical model as a learning tool. To hear Steven’s full story, watch TEDxYYC talk.

Fluidics for Synthetic Biology

3D microfluidic design is a new frontier currently being explored having previously only being done in 2D. The objective of the above design is to recreate the microbial community of the human gut. Learn more about multifluidic devices with Dan Chen’s design tips.

Training the Next Generation of Pediatric Surgeons

Biomedical Modeling Inc. is one of the top medical modelling companies in the industry. In one case, they created a mould of an infant’s spinal cord and cast a silicone model (above). Paediatric neurosurgeons used the model to practice operating on spina bifida, a severe congenital defect.

Learn more about the impact of using patient-specific anatomical models, from improving education and communication to drastically reducing theatre and recovery time for complex procedures.

Custom Medical Models for Better Surgeries

Dr. Mike Itagaki uses desktop 3D printing to create medical models (like the aortic aneurysm reproductions above) for surgical prep, training models, and more. In one case, Dr. Itagaki saved a patient’s spleen by practicing a breakthrough reconstructive surgery on a 3D model printed from her CT scan. This success story inspired him to found Embodi3D, the first online medical 3D printing community.

Recommended Printers for Medical 3D Printing

The Formlabs printers stand out for medical applications. Anyone can learn to use a 3D printer when its a Formlabs printer. No direct handling of resin and no post processing required when using the form wash and cure. We also provide top tier support and training for those looking for an intimate understanding of the 3D print process.

Summary

If you are thinking a 3D printer could improve your process, reduce human error and provide an intuitive hands on experience to colleagues and customers, get in contact with us, checkout the shop and subscribe to our blog. If your curious about materials available like biocompatible dental resin request a sample here!