Yet more medical breakthroughs

For quite some time now, there has been much speculation as to whether or not we will eventually be able to 3D print fully functional organs. Although it would arguably represent the pinnacle of the technology’s application in the field of medicine, we are still a long way away from achieving this goal - but remarkable developments have certainly been made. Fortunately, many other medicinal breakthroughs have occurred as a result of 3D printing technology and are being implemented today.

In previous blog posts, we’ve covered a multitude of biomedical 3D printing applications - most notably, bespoke prosthetics (for both humans and pets). However, over the past year, more and more stories have cropped up detailing how lives have been saved and improved all thanks to 3D printing technology. Here are some of the most recent and interesting stories.

3D printed stethoscopes

Most people are aware that medical equipment is in severe demand in the Gaza Strip. To tackle this supply shortage, an innovative Canadian-Palestinian doctor has been utilising 3D printing technology to create new stethoscopes in order to treat the influx of injured Palestinians in the war-torn area.

After playing with his nephew’s toy stethoscope, he concluded that a working stethoscope could be created without the need of stainless steel. In fact, he discovered, it could be constructed using something much cheaper - plastic. This has given Dr Tarek Loubani the impetus to found the Glia Project, which has the goal of constructing a multitude of open source, locally printed surgical tools using 3D printing technology.

Customised braces

It’s no secret that 3D printing stands out as a manufacturing methodology for short-run production cycles, which makes it ideal for the bespoke prosthetics market. A year ago, 3D Systems created an innovation which could dramatically improve the treatment for chronic scoliosis: a bespoke, 3D printed back brace.

Now, a Chinese team based at the National Rehabilitation Aids Research Center in Beijing are taking this concept a step further. Created using thermoplastics, the team’s new bespoke braces are light to wear but also extremely durable - making them perfect for correcting the misalignments of a patient’s back without disrupting quality of life. As well as this, they can be worn discretely under clothes - because as any parent knows, children will do anything to avoid standing out - particularly due to an unpleasant affliction.

3D printed drugs

Not so long ago, an interesting story hit the news about a professor who had innovated a device for 3D printing drugs. Known as the ‘chemputer’ - this device could have significant ramifications for the production and distribution of prescription medicine, specifically tailored to each individual patient.

Fast forward to August 2015 and the first ever 3D printed drug has been approved by the FDA.  Spritam is a drug developed to treat the symptoms of epilepsy, and by additively constructing each tablet layer by layer, high-dosages of the drug become much easier to swallow.

Tagged with: medicine