The Application of 3D Printing in Medicine (Essay Sample)

THE APPLICATION OF 3D PRINTING IN MEDICINE
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Introduction
The application of 3D in the medical field is expected to revolutionize health care and it is expanding rapidly. The application of 3D, both potential and actual can be divided into broad categories which include: creation of customized prosthetics, organ and tissue fabrication, discovery, anatomical modes and pharmaceutical research. Three dimensional printing (3D) is a production technique in which elements and objects are manufactured by depositing component materials in organized layers to produce three dimensional objects. The technique is also known as solid free-form technology (SFF), rapid prototyping (RP), or additive manufacturing (AM). 3D printing in medicine provides benefits such as, personalization and customization of medical drugs, products and equipments.[Zhang, Grace Lijie, Fisher John, and Leong Kam. 3D Bioprinting and Nanotechnology in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. (London: Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier, 2015), 17.]
Discussion
Three dimensional (3D) printing has been in use since early 2000, when it was applied in custom prosthetics and making of dental implants. Published reviews show that 3D printing has been applied in production of exoskeletons, bones, ears, windpipes, jaw bone, eye glasses, stem cells, tissues, vascular networks and organs. There have been clinical and commercial successes in implants and prostheses in regard to the application of three dimensional printing. This was evident in production of anatomical correct 3D prosthetic printed ear that is capable to detect electromagnetic frequencies. Recently, implants have been printed using live cells while making 3D, printed implants from various polymers and metals. Three dimensional printing has been helpful to neurosurgeons in that, 3D neuroanatomical models provide a clear representation of complicated structures within the human body. These structures had been difficult to interpret basing on radiographic 2D images.
The greatest benefit associated with 3D printing in medical applications is the freedom in the production of custom-made medical equipments and products. 3D printing can be used in producing made-to- order fixtures and jigs for use in operating rooms. In addition, the technique has been used to customize prosthetics and implants hence providing value for physicians and patients. The second advantage of 3D printing is that it can produce medical objects cheaply as compared to the traditional methods, hence advantageous for companies that require frequent modifications in respect to volumes. Through this method, there has been a reduction in manufacturing costs due to the decrease in the use of unnecessary resources. For example, drugs can be produced in form of dosage that is cost effective and easier to deliver to patients. 3D printing has enhanced productivity in that the technique is associated with high, quality, resolution and reliability hence can be produced within few hours. Finally, 3D printing allows collaboration and democratization with respect to the design and manufacturing of goods. This has enabled medics to design objects as per their imaginations.[Yu Dikov, Sobolevskiy Yu, Kropotov, and Ivashkov Yu. 'Application of 3D Modeling in 3D Printing for the Lower Jaw Reconstruction'. (Head and Neck Tumours (HNT), 22.]
Despite the many advantages with 3D printing technology in medicine, the expectations associated with this technique have been hyped and exaggerated by researchers and even governments. This has promoted unrealistic projections, which includes printing of organs. The second barrier and challenge associated with 3D printing ...