The continued research and development of surgical equipment has opened new doors to effective treatment. 3D printing is among the leading technological innovations that promise to deliver proper tools that complement optimal patient care.
Research suggests that the integration of 3D printing into surgical practice offers considerable advantages, including improved medical outcomes in patients. The technology also reduces surgical time.
Furthermore, additive manufacturing creates an avenue for better diagnostic tools and understanding of a patient’s pathology and therapy before surgical procedures. This enhances treatment efficiency by advocating for improved and personalized therapy for the patient.
Integration of 3D Printing into Surgical Practice
There are various ways in which 3D printing has been incorporated for improved diagnostics, treatment, and outcomes.
1. Preoperative Planning
Specialties use 3D printing to create models from available MRI and CT scan data. These models give the surgeons a better understanding of the patient’s pathology and surgical site before undergoing the procedure.
2. Customized Surgery Procedures
The anatomical models created in the preoperative planning stages also enable the surgeons to tailor surgery for an effective patient treatment solution. This reduces the risks of complications during surgery and decreases operation time.
3. Ergonometric Surgical Tools
With 3D printing, you can create ergonometric equipment and tools for surgical procedures. These tools reduce discomfort, fatigue, and strain while operating, ensuring better accuracy during treatment. They also reduce the time needed on the surgical table.
4. Customized Medical Devices
Likewise, 3D printing has allowed for customized tools and devices. 3D printing can reproduce clamps, forceps, or other surgical instruments in a sterile environment, making it easier and more affordable.
5. Printing Prostheses and Implants
Lastly, 3D printing offers an affordable solution to creating bionic devices and implants for patients. Customized printed prostheses and implants fit better and are more flexible, offering better therapeutic opportunities for patients.
There are many applications in the medical field for additive manufacturing. The list of uses continues to grow as innovators push the boundaries of what is possible using technology only seen in science fiction just a few decades ago. Xometry, which uses additive manufacturing technology to provide industry-leading 3D printing services through its AI-powered marketplace, recently became ISO 13485:2016 certified, which means that its quality management system has met rigorous compliance standards for manufacturing medical devices.
