Importance of Anatomical 3D Models in Medical Field

Each year, 3D printed models offer more applications in the field of medical and life science. The printing technology has allowed improving and saving numerous lives in ways we never thought till now. As a matter of fact, additive manufacturing technology is being used in the healthcare industry. Many departments of the healthcare sector, including vascular surgery, urology, transplant surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, gastroenterology, cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery are using this technology.

Thanks to multiple advantages that this great technology could introduce in the medical field, the primary applications of it in the healthcare industry are as follows:

Preoperative Planning

Professional additive manufacturing services are being used in the medical industry for presurgical and preoperative planning. As per research, patient-related presurgical planning will reduce the time healthcare professionals spend in operation theatre and minimize the complications. This printing technology helps surgeons precisely plan the operation by providing anatomical 3D printed models of desired patients. Also, 3D printed models allow choosing before implantation the measurements of the prostheses with higher accuracy. 

Customized Tools for Surgery

In Australia, these printing services are widely used to manufacture customized implants and surgical instruments. Hence, the customization of medical instruments and tools means minimizing the cost given by traditional production techniques. 

Osteoporotic Conditions

This technology can help to validate the results achieved by a patient. This allows doctors to predict the patient’s bone condition accurately and take a better decision on the surgery. 

Testing of Devices in Specific Pathways

It allows us to instantly manufacture 3D models of unique design concepts and also make improvements in existing medical devices. For instance, you can print 3D models of vascular patterns to verify the effectiveness of a cardiovascular system used to diagnose coronary and peripheral artery disease. 

Medical Education

It is seen that this technology can maximize performance and allow rapid learning. The 3D printed models can allow medicine and healthcare industry students to perform tests and train in their area of expertise with maximum confidence. There are numerous advantages of this printing technology in education systems, including reproducibility and safety. Thanks to 3D printing, institutions can create different anatomical models from images and share them with other institutions that have fewer resources. 

Patient Education

For most healthcare providers, patient’s education is one of the top priorities. Patients generally have little to no knowledge about healthcare and medicine. Hence, showing them 2D images of MRI or CT scans may not help as they will not understand any of it. However, if you show them, 3D models, they may understand the situation in a better way. In short, 3D printed models will improve the communication between the patient and the doctor. 

Storage of Special Cases For Education

This point is similar to the previous one. 3D printed models act as the safeguard of numerous datasets composed of patients’ datasets who are affected by rare pathologies. Trainee surgeons can use this dataset in particular applications. 

Improvement in Forensic Practice

3D printed anatomical models can be used in the courtroom to demonstrate abnormalities easily. This method is more efficient and understandable to jury members than using cross-sectional 2D images. 

Bioprinting

3D printers can also print implantable tissue. For instance, 3D printers can be used to print synthetic skin for patients who have suffered burn injuries. We can also print 3D models for cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or chemical products. Bioprinting is also useful in replicating the heart valves by using a bunch of cells and biomaterials to command the valve’s stiffness. 

Personalized Drug Additive Manufacturing

This technology is widely used in printing drugs that consist of powdered layers to make the drug dissolve faster than normal pills. This allows the doctors to personalize the quantity required by the patient. 

The Bottom Line

Hence, points have proven that this technology is one of the most valuable technologies in the medical industry. It has the potential to change the healthcare system completely. If you are a healthcare professional and want to get your hands on additive manufacturing technology, you should contact us. We are the leading printing service provider in Australia.