CLINICAL SOFTWARE
28 print 10,000 swabs tomorrow , and 20,000 the day after , giving them the power to service their patients as needed .”
3D Systems has also contributed to the Covid-19 response by 3D printing face shields and parts for ventilators So how exactly can you ‘ print ’ a medical device ?
The most common technique is stereolithography , or SLA , which uses a laser to harden liquid resin in a basin that creates the required shape . It was developed by Chuck Hull in the early 80s , who then founded 3D Systems in 1986 .
“ The fundamentals of 3D printing have more or less stayed the same , where you have a computer file that provides the basic input for the printer to create an output of a certain shape and type ,” Gupta explains . “ It has evolved into different segments , and there are different polymers you can print with , as well as metals .”
When Hull created the first 3D printer he wasn ’ t specifically thinking about how it could support healthcare , but it seems an ideal solution for many of its challenges , the pandemic being a clear example . “ When Chuck started 3D printing , the idea was to make something quicker , faster , cheaper , and if a one-off was needed , to make it really quickly instead of relying on a traditional supply chain .”
The technology is being adopted in various aspects of healthcare . 3D Systems is currently working with a variety of healthcare providers throughout the US and Europe on dental moulds , anatomical modelling , and surgical planning .
Creating three-dimensional anatomically correct models helps with surgical training , as well as planning an operation , and Gupta says this leads to reduced surgery time and increased accuracy . It is especially beneficial for complex surgeries like separating conjoined twins . “ In a lot of cases these models end up
“ Part of the reason we invest in space exploration is because we can spin off benefits here on Earth ”
— Julielynn Wong , Medical Makers
JANUARY 2021