How 3D printers improve health care
Clinicians face three major problems 3D printers can solve
- Customized pre-surgical planning models take a lot of time to make
- Patient-specific anatomical features can be identified only on digital models
- Implants are sometimes shaped during the surgery which makes the procedure longer
Pre-surgical planning
3D printers can quickly fabricate precise real-size pre-surgical planning models based on CT scans.
Improved communications
Physical, anatomical models help patients better understand their conditions and procedures they are about to undergo.
Simple implementation
Modern 3D printers are easy to operate even by personnel with no prior training or experience with this kind of equipment.
Shorter surgeries
Implants used in facial reconstruction surgeries can be shaped in advance on patient-specific anatomical models, rather than during the surgery.