3D printing has been used in medicine since the early 2000s, when the technology was first used to make dental implants. Since then, the use of 3D printing in medicine has expanded dramatically, with doctors from around the world describing how 3D printing has been used to produce ears, skeletal parts, airways, jawbones, eye parts, cell cultures, stem cells, blood vessels and vascular networks, tissues and organs, new drug forms, and more.
Preparing for surgery and training students
3D models created with individual patient anatomy in mind can significantly improve preparation for surgical procedures. Having a physical model of an organ, such as a CT scan, helps the physician better understand the anatomical features and simulate surgery, which reduces the risk of errors.
The use of 3D models for training surgeons and students is preferable to traditional cadaver training because it addresses the issues of accessibility and cost of facilities. Cadavers often do not reflect the right pathology, and are used more for anatomy lessons than for training in the treatment of specific diseases. 3D printing can be used to create a model of an organ with whatever pathology is needed for training.
3D models are especially useful for neurosurgeons, as they allow them to study complex structures of the brain and other parts of the nervous system that cannot be achieved with 2D images.
3D printing of tissues and organs
Bioprinting is a type of 3D printing used in medicine. Instead of traditional materials such as plastic or metal, bioprinters use a syringe dispenser to deposit bioinks composed of living cells or their supporting structures to create artificial tissues. These technologies can serve as an alternative to donor tissues and can be used for medical research.
Bioprinting systems can be laser, inkjet, or extrusion, but inkjet technology is the most common. These printers use multiple print heads to accommodate different cell types – for example, to create tissue specific to certain organs, blood vessels or muscles. This is especially important for developing multi-cellular tissues and organs. In the future, bioprinting could be used for tissue regeneration and possibly to create organs directly on a patient’s body.
3D printing surgical instruments
Modern surgeons strive to minimize traumatic surgeries, which makes personalized instruments especially important. 3D printing makes it possible to create such instruments in just a few hours.
Now the doctor can easily modify the model, adjusting it to the right size and shape to improve convenience and efficiency. For example, dentists can customize guides that prevent damage to healthy teeth when fitting dentures.
“3D printing” drugs
3D printing technologies are already being used extensively in pharmaceutical research and personalized medicine, and their use continues to expand. 3D printing allows for precise control of drug dosage and the creation of drugs with different release profiles and prolonged action. Pharmacists can take into account a patient’s pharmacogenetic characteristics, as well as factors such as age, weight and gender, to select the optimal dose and regimen of drugs. If necessary, the dosage can be adapted based on clinical response. 3D printing can also be used to create personalized medicines, such as tablets with multiple active ingredients, which can be made either as a mixture or as multilayer tablets.
Prosthetics and dentistry
3D printing is successfully used in medicine to create complex individual prostheses and surgical implants. With the help of special software, X-ray, MRI and CT images can be turned into 3D printing models, making it possible to produce implants and prostheses of any shape.
This is especially important in orthopedics, where standard implants often do not fit the patient. The problem is also relevant in neurosurgery, where skulls are uniquely shaped and creating a universal cranial implant is difficult. Previously, surgeons used different tools to fit implants during surgery, but with the advent of 3D printing, this has become unnecessary. Additive technologies are also ideal for making implants urgently. In dentistry, 3D technology has revolutionized dentistry by allowing precise scanning of the oral cavity and creating dentures that perfectly match the patient’s anatomy without the need for long fitting times. The reduction of manual labor in the production of dentures and veneers has improved accuracy, expanded the choice of materials and increased patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
3D printing technology is opening up new horizons in medicine, significantly improving the quality of treatment, diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients. From creating personalized prostheses and implants to developing innovative methods for bioprinting tissues and organs, this technology not only solves a multitude of clinical problems, but also significantly reduces the time it takes to prepare and perform surgeries. Combined with the ability to create customized surgical tools and medications, 3D printing provides physicians with powerful tools to improve treatment accuracy and patient outcomes.
Additionally, 3D models are becoming an integral element in the education and training of medical personnel, allowing physicians and students to better understand anatomy and disease patterns. In the future, the use of 3D technology in medicine will continue to evolve, opening up new opportunities for personalized treatment and therapy, as well as helping to reduce costs and increase access to healthcare.
