3D printing is being used in various industries, and complex parts are now produced through the technology. So, in which stage the 3D printing technology in the healthcare sector. What are the key advancements so far, and what is the market size of 3D printing in the healthcare industry?
George Wolf
The health industry is considered to be the most important industry that will benefit from 3D printing. It can be used for various purposes such as addressing spinal injuries, joint damage, heart surgery, bone regrowth, lung disease, bioprinting tissues and organoids, assist surgeons in their operation practice and produce surgical instruments.
Some educational institutions are working to finds ways for using 3D printing in the health sector, which includes, University of Minnesota (US), Central Queensland University (Australia), Stanford University (US), New York University (US), VA Ann Arbor Health Care System (US), Organovo (US) and Wake Forest Institute (US).
Researchers at Stanford University are trying to make cardiac-mapping catheters (a device used to reveal electrical activity and point out disturbances in the heart) using 3D printed tools. Scientists in VA Ann Arbor HealthCare System (US) are trying to make an artificial lung using 3D printing technology, which will be used to help retired army soldiers affected by the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).