3D Printing is Transforming Healthcare

Technology is rapidly changing the healthcare industry by making medical procedures more economical and effective. Three-dimensional (3D) printer’s is a technology that has major positive impacts and is gaining popularity in the industry. This technology has made prosthetic hands be more affordable, they have given the economically disadvantaged patients hope.

3D printers are revolutionizing many industries, from IT support firms to dental and medical. These printers have made it possible for individuals to receive affordable medical devices in a timely manner. With this new technology, hospitals are able to customize and efficiently provide medical treatments to any patient. Hearing aids, prosthetic hands, dental implants, and prescription glasses are currently being customized with 3D printers. Not only does a printing device save time but it saves significant amount of money. Both the hospital and patient save time and money with this new technology.

Before 3D printers, a traditional prosthetic ranged in the thousands of dollars. Thanks to the 3D printers, there is a medical solution for patients that lack the economic resources and are in need of a prosthetic. The cost for printing a customized hand ranges in the hundreds, way less than the traditional process. Patients can now have an exact fit thanks to this technological device. A 3D printer can easily print a custom design at a reasonable price.

3D printing has made it possible for surgeons to make fluidic models (mechanics of the flow of fluid) so that they can choose the best path and ensure accurate surgeries. Surgeons are now able to practice a critical procedure on a model before the actual surgery. Practicing before a real surgery can help eliminate risk factors and save time. 3D printing reduces operating time as the surgeon already has a surgery plan. Hence, more patients can be treated in less time at better rates. These devices offer a cost effective method to create clinically useable devices without the high costs and time consumption. Hospitals are able to easily model out a specific medical tool for surgery.

Digital modeling has eliminated the hard manual work in the dental field. The production, quality and accuracy of custom implants have improved with 3D printers. Crowns and bridges are just a few of the orthodontic appliances that have become more easily available and economical.

3D printing has limitless possibilities. The healthcare industry is taking advantage of the technological innovations this new device is bringing. The impact of the 3D printer is significant in many industries but is mostly positively impacting the healthcare environment.