It is possible to 3D print plastic parts of the equipment. This dramatically reduces costs and the waiting time to receive a new medical device from third-party providers. In addition, the manufacturing process and other applications are also easier. The manufacture of custom medical devices, such as forceps, clamps, hemostats and retractors, is among the most common medical uses of 3D printing.
A key advantage is that precise modifications can be quickly made to the design based on the surgeon's feedback. The biggest advantage that 3D printers offer in medical applications is the freedom to produce tailor-made medical products and equipment. 3 For example, using 3D printing to customize prostheses and implants can offer great value for money to both patients and doctors. 3 In addition, 3D printing can produce custom-made templates and accessories for use in operating rooms, 4 Tailor-made implants, accessories and surgical tools can have a positive impact in terms of the time required for surgery, the patient's recovery time and the success of surgery or implantation, 4 It is also expected that 3D printing technologies will eventually allow the customization of dosage forms, release profiles and drug delivery for each patient.
3D printing on metal allows medical device designers to produce implants that work better, combine better and last longer, for knees, spine, skull or hips. Radiographic images can be converted into 3D printing files to create complex and personalized anatomical and medical structures. Implantable drug delivery devices with new drug delivery profiles can also be created using 3D printing. Accurate and affordable medical 3D printing processes are democratizing access to technology, allowing health professionals to develop new clinical solutions and rapidly manufacture personalized devices, and allowing doctors to offer new treatments around the world.
More than 90 percent of the top 50 medical device companies use 3D printing to create accurate prototypes of medical devices, templates and accessories to simplify testing, in addition to directly 3D printing medical devices. The main 3D printing technologies used for pharmaceutical production are 3D printing based on inkjet or inkjet powder. Globally, prosthesis designers can use 3D printing to overcome the financial obstacles and time constraints involved in this process. This 3D printing is changing preoperative planning, which translates into less time in the operating room, better surgical outcomes for patients, faster postoperative recovery and lower costs for hospitals.
The market for 3D printing for healthcare increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, when some hospitals relied on this technology to quickly launch personal protective equipment and medical devices. The combination of low cost per part, high productivity, established materials and biocompatibility make SLS a popular choice among medical device developers for creating functional prototypes and a cost-effective alternative to injection molding for limited series or bridge manufacturing. A 3D model used for surgical planning by neurosurgeons at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This will allow scientists to create patient-specific vascular graft designs, improve surgical options and provide a unique testing platform for new vascular medical devices for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases, which are currently the leading cause of death worldwide.
Next, learn about the most popular 3D printers for the healthcare industry and how to choose a solution for specific use cases. For example, 3D technology has reduced the production of hearing aids from more than a week to one day.
