Three -dimensional impression is transforming medical care, allowing the health sector to pass mass production solutions to personalized treatments adapted to the needs of each patient. For example, researchers are developing 3D -printed hand prostheses, specifically designed for children, made of light materials and adaptable control systems.
These continuous advances in 3D printed prostheses demonstrate their growing affordability and accessibility. Success cases such as this in custom prostheses highlight the advantages of 3D printing, in which the object model, produced with computer -assisted design software, is transferred to a 3D printer and is built layer per layer.
Biomedical and Chemical Engineers who work with 3D impression studied how this rapid evolution technology offers new options not only for prostheses, but also for implants, surgical planning, manufacturing of drugs and other health needs. The capacity of 3D printing to create objects with precise shapes in a wide range of materials resulted, for example, to multifarm personalized articular prostheses with personalized doses.
Three -dimensional impression in the health field began in the 1980s with scientists who used technologies such as the stereolithography to create layer prototypes per layer. The stereolithography uses computer controlled laser beam to solidify a liquid material in specific 3D forms. The medical sector soon saw the potential of this technology to create implants and prostheses specifically designed for each patient.
One of the first applications was the creation of tissue scaffolding, structures that favor cell growth. Researchers at the Boston Children’s Hospital combined these scaffolding with patient cells themselves to build replacement bladder. Patients remained healthy for years after receiving their implants, which showed that 3D printed structures could become lasting body parts.
As technology advanced, the approach focused on bioimpression, which uses living cells to create functional anatomical structures.
In 2013, Organovo created the first 3D Bioppise Hepatic Fabor in the world, opening new possibilities for the creation of organs and tissues for transplant. Although significant progress in bioimpression was achieved, the creation of complete and functional organs, such as hígados for transplants, remains experimental.
Current research focuses on the development of smaller and simple tissues, and on the improvement of bioimpression techniques to improve viability and cell functionality. These efforts seek to shorten the distance between success in the laboratory and the clinical application, with the ultimate goal of providing viable organ replacements to patients who need them.
Three -dimensional impression already revolutionized the creation of prostheses. It allows prostheses manufacturers to produce custom and affordable devices that adapt perfectly to the patient. They can adapt the prosthetic hands and limbs to each individual and replace them easily as the child grows.
In addition, 3D impression is achieving significant advances in dentistry. Companies such as Invisalign use this to create custom dental aligners, which demonstrates the ability to customize dental care.
Scientists are also exploring new materials for 3D printing, such as self -reparable bioavidrio that could replace damaged cartilage. Likewise, researchers are developing 4D impression, which creates objects that can change shape over time, which could lead to medical devices that adapt to body needs.
For example, researchers are working on 3D printed stems that can respond to changes in blood flow. These stents are designed to expand or contract as necessary, reducing the risk of obstruction and improving the long -term results for patients.
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3D printing also benefits a pharmaceutical sector
Three -dimensional anatomical models often help surgeons to understand complex cases and improve surgical results. These models, created from medical images such as radiographs and computerized tomographs, allow surgeons to practice procedures before the operation.
For example, a 3D printed model of the heart of a child allows surgeons to simulate complex surgeries. This approach can result in shorter surgical times, less complications and lower costs.
In the pharmaceutical industry, pharmaceuticals can print in three dimensions doses and custom medication management systems. The ability to accurately stratify each component of a drug allows them to make medications with the exact dose necessary for each patient. The 3D printed antiepileptic drug, Spritam, was approved by the Food and Medicines Administration (FDA) in 2015 to administer very high doses of its active ingredient.
The drug production systems that use 3D printing are finding applications beyond pharmaceutical factories. These medications could be manufactured and distributed by community pharmacies. The hospitals are beginning to use 3D printing to manufacture in situ medications, which allows personalized treatment plans according to factors such as the patient’s age and health.
Challenges in innovation of three -dimensional printing
Despite the extraordinary general progress in 3D printing for medical care, important challenges and opportunities persist. Among them, is the need to develop better methods to guarantee the quality and safety of 3D printed medical products. Alfibility and accessibility also remain important concerns. Long -term security concerns related to implant materials, such as possible biocompatibility problems and nanoparticle release, require rigorous tests and validation.
Although 3D impression has the potential to reduce manufacturing costs, initial investment in equipment and materials can be an obstacle to many health professionals and patients, especially in marginalized communities. In addition, the lack of standardized workflows and trained personnel can limit the generalized adoption of 3D printing in clinical environments, making access to those who could benefit the most.
The positive side is that artificial intelligence techniques that can effectively take advantage of highly detailed medical data are probably crucial for the development of better 3D printed medical products. Specifically, AI algorithms can analyze specific patient data to optimize the design and manufacture of implants and 3D prostheses. For example, implant manufacturers can use the image analysis of IA to create high precision 3D models from computerized tomographs and magnetic resonances, which can be used to design custom implants.
In addition, automatic learning algorithms can predict long -term performance and possible 3D prostheses failure points, allowing prostheses designers to optimize them for greater durability and patient safety.
Three -dimensional impression continues to break barriers, including those of the body itself. Researchers at the California Institute have developed a technique that uses ultrasound to convert a liquid injected into the body into a gel with three -dimensional forms. This method could be used one day to manage drugs or replace tissues.
In general, the field is progressing quickly towards personalized treatment plans that adapt closely to the unique needs and preferences of each patient, which is possible thanks to the accuracy and flexibility of 3D printing.
*Daniel Freedman is dean of the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Administration of the University of Wisconsin-Staut; Anne Schmitz is an associated engineering professor, University of Wisconsin-Staut.
This article was originally published in The Conversation
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