3D Printing in Medicine and Healthcare

3D printing has shown immense potential for the future of medicine in recent years, and its development is unstoppable. In this article, we will explore the impressive list of 3D-printed healthcare materials and medical equipment that are revolutionizing the field.

How does 3D printing in medicine work?

3D printing in medicine is a part of the innovative process known as additive manufacturing, which involves producing three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The technology behind this process has been explained in detail in our previous article on bioprinting.

As technology continues to evolve, researchers are constantly working on various solutions. For instance, engineers from the University of Buffalo have developed a novel technology that significantly speeds up the printing process. This hydrogen-based technology is up to 50 times faster than previous 3D printing methods, making it a remarkable advancement in the field.

Personalized medical equipment

Medical equipment is often expensive, with the global medical devices market projected to reach USD 780 billion by 2030. 3D printing has the potential to significantly reduce costs by producing personalized medical equipment such as splints and medical models used before surgeries. These 3D-printed solutions can save vast amounts of money while catering to individual needs.

For example, Ian McHale, a senior at the US Steinert High School, has created a blueprint for producing finger splints using a low-end 3D printer. These splints can be printed quickly and affordably, providing a cost-effective solution for remote communities and personal needs.

While 3D-printed plaster casts sound promising, they still face challenges and remain a niche technology for now. However, ongoing research and development in this area may lead to advancements in the near future.

One remarkable example of 3D printing in medicine saving lives is the case of Kaiba Gionfriddo, a baby born prematurely in 2011 with a congenital disability that caused his windpipe to collapse. Thanks to a 3D-printed bioresorbable device, Kaiba was able to breathe properly and gradually recover without any harm. This demonstrates the life-saving potential of 3D printing in healthcare.

Australian scientists have also used 3D printing to create microneedles for effective diabetes monitoring. These minimally invasive needles offer a personalized and efficient way for continuous glucose monitoring, advancing personalized medicine and drug intake.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, 3D printing played a crucial role in producing personal protective equipment for hospital personnel. Urgent 3D production of these essential items helped save lives and support frontline workers. Community-based makerspaces offered freely accessible 3D blueprints, enabling a rapid response to the pandemic.

Models for surgical planning and education

3D printing is not only revolutionizing medical research but also aiding in complex surgical planning and education. Researchers have successfully 3D-printed models of cancerous tumors, enabling the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs and a better understanding of tumor development.

Scientists have also used scans of animal hearts to create printed models, which can be enhanced with flexible electronics and wrapped around real hearts for a perfect fit. This technology has the potential to enhance cardiac care and improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, 3D printing can be used to create organ models, aiding in patient education and pre-operative planning for surgeons. By combining MRI and ultrasound imaging with 3D-printing technology, doctors can easily identify potential obstacles and reduce the risks associated with surgeries on babies with congenital disabilities.

Schiner 3D Repro GmbH’s Digital Anatomy 3D printer is another remarkable advancement in this field. This device can simulate anatomies and pathologies with ultra-realistic 3D printed models, reducing the need for human and animal cadavers and accelerating the design validation process.

Prosthetics and implants

Traditional prosthetics can be time-consuming and destructive to create, limiting the ability to make modifications. However, 3D printing has revolutionized the production of prosthetics, making them cheaper and easily customizable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of holistic medicine over conventional medicine?

Many religions and cultures around the world have used holistic medicines for thousands of years. They were developed based on ancient knowledge and experience.

These medicines are safe, efficient, natural, and inexpensive. These side effects are far less severe than those from pharmaceutical drugs.

They will also assist you in achieving better health and well-being.

They can prevent disease and promote your overall well-being.

They can even treat diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease, arthritis, asthma or depression, as well as high blood pressure.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of traditional medicines around the world, each offering unique benefits.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 80% of the world’s population still relies on traditional treatment methods for their injuries and illnesses.

It was reported that about half a billion people rely on traditional herbal remedies for primary healthcare.

Global market for complementary therapies will reach $22.2 billion in 2020, according to estimates.

To avoid side effects from conventional treatments, people are turning to alternative methods of medical care.

People often turn to complementary therapies for treatment when they are not able to respond to conventional treatments. They may also try them before resorting to surgery or medication.

There are many reasons people choose complementary therapies.

To improve your quality of life
To reduce stress levels
For relaxation
To relieve pain
To enhance immunity
Supportive services for dealing with serious diseases
To boost energy
To control weight
To maintain good nutrition
To improve sleep patterns
To manage chronic conditions

Complementary and Alternative Healthcare – Are they Evidence-based?

The evidence base for complementary and alternative medicine is still evolving, but there are many reasons why people choose these therapies. They may have tried conventional treatments but found them ineffective, or they may want to try an alternative therapy because they believe it offers benefits over conventional care. Alternatively, they might seek complementary and alternative medicines as part of a holistic approach to health. Patients should always check if any complementary and alternative medicines they use are supported by scientific research. If you’re unsure whether a particular treatment is effective, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This could save you time and money in the long-term.

Is holistic medicine legal?

Both yes and no. Yes. Because many medicines have been proved effective against different diseases. They won’t cure everyone. It all depends upon what you mean with “holistic.” If it means taking into account all aspects of an individual’s health, then yes, but if it just means using natural remedies over chemical ones then no.

Some believe that holistic medicine is a newer form of medicine. This is false. Although some healers in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome used natural remedies, they did so without scientific knowledge.

The Middle Ages was the first time that medical professionals began to study anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. The majority of Western countries had built public hospitals by the 19th century that allowed trained doctors to offer medical care.

Conventional medicine is still the most popular form of healthcare today. But, many people still prefer complementary and alternative medicine. Many find that it works better for them than pharmaceutical drugs.

Some people find that they feel more relaxed when receiving massage therapy than tranquilizers. Some prefer to eat healthy food over taking prescription medication. Some people find that exercising regularly is beneficial for their bodies.

Statistics

According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
According to a 2005 book by a US [116]Institute of Medicine panel, the number of RCTs focused on CAM has risen dramatically. (en.wikipedia.org)
The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)

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What are the Shortcomings and Advances in Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine emphasizes mind, body, spirit, environment and social factors in healing. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He used simple techniques like meditation and visualization. This treatment was beneficial for people who suffer from anxiety, depressions, stress, pain, insomnia, or other illnesses. This therapy can also help patients deal with their problems and improve their quality life.

Although holistic therapies are still popular, evidence is lacking to support their effectiveness. Some studies show that holistic treatments can reduce symptoms such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

There are many positives and negatives to holistic medicine.

We lack scientific evidence. A small number of well-designed randomized controlled trials, (RCTs), evaluate the health benefits of holistic treatments. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
Low cost compared to conventional medicine. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
Patients do not feel pressured to comply with the prescribed protocol.
Many doctors recommend complementary therapies without prescribing them.
Many holistic treatments can be combined with traditional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
Alternative treatments are more effective than conventional medicine, according to many people.
Alternative medicines are considered more “natural” than conventional drugs.
Many patients use complementary treatments to complement their lifestyle changes. They not only want to live a healthy life but also want to be happy.
Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
Older adults are increasingly turning to holistic treatments.
More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
Studies have shown that the majority of people would rather try alternative treatments than see a doctor.
Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
Holistic treatments should be a part of our culture, education system and society.
Holistic treatments are not always safe.
It is important to learn how to educate patients about the different treatments so they can make informed choices.
Holistic treatments are not just for hippies.
Certain diseases are not cured by holistic therapies.
Holistic treatments can sometimes be dangerous.
Holistic therapies can be beneficial for certain conditions.
Holistic treatments can be very effective.
Holistic treatments are based on ancient knowledge.
Holistic treatments are easy to learn.
It is difficult to learn holistic treatments.
Holistic therapies are difficult to learn.
Holistic treatments can be too costly.
Holistic treatments can be very costly.
Holistic therapies can be more cost-effective than traditional medicine.
Holistic treatment is more expensive than conventional medicine.

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Holistic Medicine–A Brief Historical Overview

Holistic medicine focuses on the whole person and not just their symptoms. It includes physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, cultural, and lifestyle influences. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.

Bastyr University in Seattle established the first holistic medical school in 1972. After Dr. Andrew Weil’s 1996 book, “Spontaneous Healing”, holistic medicine started to flourish. In 1997, the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA) was founded by Dr. David Williams and Dr. Michael Murray. There are hundreds of holistic medicine programs worldwide today, including Bastyr University (Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons), Maharishi Ayurveda Institute and Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also available.

The World Health Organization designated holistic medicine as one the five top trends in healthcare in 2013. This trend focuses on integrating traditional care with complementary therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbalism, massage therapy (reiki), yoga, meditation, and even tai-chi. This integration will provide safe, effective and patient-centered care with minimal side effects.

Holistic medicine works as a result of an interconnected mind-body-spirit. An imbalance in any of these components can lead to illness. Take, for example:

When your mind is anxious or stressed, you can become tense and out-of-balance. Your body reacts by making cortisol. This hormone increases inflammation throughout your body. As a result, you feel tired, weak, and sick.

You feel negative emotions such as anger, fear, grief and sadness when your emotions are high. These emotions can cause stress in the brain. If left untreated, this stress causes your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline stimulates your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Cortisol can affect your nervous system, immune system, and digestive tract. Both hormones can cause fatigue, muscle tension and headaches, as well as anxiety, depression, anxiety, dizziness, insomnia, sleeplessness, headaches, dizziness and other health problems.

You can lose your faith and hope in life if you feel depressed. Also, you may lack self-esteem. This can lead to poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships, and low energy. You feel happy, joyful, peaceful, and optimistic when your spirit is healthy.

There is a difference between alternative and allopathic medicine

Allopathic medicine uses scientific methods. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They prescribe medications for treatment and surgery when needed. Allopathic doctors believe their knowledge of human anatomy and the best ways to treat diseases. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. There is no one standard definition for alternative medicine. People call it natural or integrative medicine. Other names include traditional medicine and naturopathic medicines.

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By: berci.mesko
Title: 3D Printing in Medicine and Healthcare – The Ultimate List
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/3d-printing-in-medicine-and-healthcare
Published Date: Tue, 07 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000