The 3D printing technology has been gaining popularity in recent years, and its impact is being felt across different industries. The healthcare sector is one of the industries starting to feel the potential impact of this new technology.
There are many applications of 3D printing technology in the healthcare sector. It has been suggested that 3D printing technology could be used to create customized medical devices, implants, and prosthetics. Additionally, 3D printing technology could be used to create surgical planning and training models. The impact that 3D printing technology can have on the healthcare sector is significant.
This new technology has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered. It can enhance everything from patient care to healthcare costs. This technology’s impact on different healthcare industry sectors is discussed below.
Dentistry
The dental industry is one of the most important sectors in healthcare, and it has been at the forefront of 3D printing technology. Implants are one of the most common applications for 3D printing, revolutionizing the way dental implants are made. In the past, dental implants were made from metal or ceramic, which was expensive and time-consuming.
With 3D printing, these implants can be made from various materials, including plastic and even human tissue. This has made dental implants more affordable and accessible to more people. In addition, 3D printing has also allowed for the creation of custom implants that are specifically designed for each patient’s individual needs. Thus, the implants blend well with the natural teeth and work together efficiently for optimal functioning.
Orthopedics
Another area that is benefiting greatly from 3D printing technology is orthopedics. 3D printing is used to create custom-made implants and prosthetics. This allows for a much better fit, improving the implant or prosthetic function and reducing the risk of complications. In addition, 3D-printed implants and prosthetics can be created in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. This is having a positive impact on both patients and healthcare providers alike.
3D printing also creates bone and joint models for surgical planning. This helps surgeons to get a better understanding of the anatomy before they go into surgery. It also allows for more accurate planning, leading to shorter surgical times and less invasive procedures.
In addition, surgeons can use 3D-printed models to practice complicated surgeries before they attempt them on patients. This helps to ensure that procedures are carried out safely and effectively.
Creating Surgical Tools
3D printing technology is also being used to create surgical tools. This is particularly beneficial for surgeons who need specialized tools for specific procedures. In the past, these tools would have to be custom-made, which was time-consuming and expensive.
With 3D printing, these tools can be created quickly and cheaply. This helps to keep surgical costs down and allows surgeons to focus on more important things, such as patient care.
3D-printed surgical tools are also becoming more popular because they can be explicitly created for each surgeon’s needs. This means that the tools are more comfortable and better suited for the task at hand.
Ophthalmology
The ophthalmology sector is one of the most critical healthcare markets for 3D printing technology. In 2021, the global ophthalmology market was valued at around USD 52.73 billion and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.58% from 2022 to 2027 to reach nearly USD 77 billion by 2027. There are several reasons behind this significant market growth.
First, the increasing prevalence of eye diseases and conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, and refractive errors is expected to drive the demand for 3D printed ophthalmic implants and devices. Second, the rising number of surgical procedures being performed each year is another key factor driving the market growth. For instance, according to the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), around 3 million cataract surgeries were performed in the United States in 2018.
Moreover, the availability of advanced 3D printing technologies and materials is anticipated to create new opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period. For instance, in 2019, Renishaw launched an additive manufacturing system that can print titanium ophthalmic implants with a resolution of 20 microns. This system will enable surgeons to produce custom-fit implants for patients suffering from AMD, DR, and glaucoma.
The use of 3D printing technology is expected to decrease the cost of dental, orthopedic, and ophthalmic procedures. Additionally, it is also expected to improve the quality of care in these sectors. As technology advances, it is likely that we will see even more impressive applications of 3D printing in healthcare.