Benefits and Drawbacks of 3D Printing in Medical Imaging

Introduction

Medical imaging involves different techniques used to observe the inside of the human body for the diagnosis, monitoring, or treatment of disease. Medical imaging is the technique and process for imaging the inside of the body to visually show the function (physiology) of organs and tissues for clinical analysis and medical procedures. Medical imaging visualizes the internal structures hidden in the skin and bones and attempts to diagnose and treat the disease. Medical imaging creates a large database of normal anatomy and physiology of the human body that helps identify abnormalities. Imaging of excised organs and tissues can be performed for medical reasons, but such procedures are usually considered part of pathology and not medical imaging.

What Is 3D Printing?

3D-printed objects are created using an additive process. The additive process creates objects by applying successive material layers until the object is created. Each of these thin layers can be viewed as a sliced ​​cross-section of the object. 3D (three-dimensional) printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which uses, for example, a milling machine to cut out or drill a piece of metal or plastic. 3D printing is used in almost every imaginable industry, so it encompasses many forms of technology and materials. It is important to think of it as a cluster of different industries with different applications. As 3D printing technology evolves, it is destined to transform nearly every major industry and change the way we live, work, and play in the future.

What Is the Role of 3D Printing in Medical Imaging?

3D printing technology is advancing rapidly and the possibilities and applications are being described more frequently. These factors are driving the technology to be used more and more in new fields and for new purposes. This is especially true in the medical and healthcare sector, where 3D printing is used to produce:

• New interchangeable personalized medical devices and implants.

• A model of medical training and education.

• Medical training and simulation models.

• Models of medical research.

• A model of preoperative planning.

What Are the Benefits of 3D Printing in Medical Imaging?

The benefits of 3D printing are listed below:

1. Complex Operations - 3D printing will play a key role in training future doctors and preparing them for real-life surgery. 2D (two-dimensional) images are useful. However, they offer little visualization and do not represent real human parts. On the other hand, 3D printing produces models that look realistic and mimic real human parts., operational processes become more accurate and effective.

2. Advanced Technology - Future doctors can practice with 3D-printed organs. This is much more accurate than training animal organs, for example. Training on human-like 3D printed parts improves the quality of skills doctors acquire while training and treating patients.

3. Expensive Procedures and Long Waiting Time - 3D printing enables 3D printing of medical and laboratory equipment. It is possible to 3D print the plastic parts of the device. This significantly reduces costs and waiting times for new medical products from external providers. In addition, manufacturing processes and other applications become simpler. This will make equipment more readily available, making 3D-printed medical devices more readily available in low-income and hard-to-reach areas.

4. Customization - Manufacturing a prosthesis by traditional methods is very expensive as it needs to be customized. 3D printers give freedom to users. Various designs, shapes, sizes, and colors of prostheses. This will personalize each 3D-printed piece. 3D printers also make more prostheses available at lower prices.

5. Intricate Care - 3D printers are making cheap prosthetics in war-torn countries and other places where people need them. An affordable solution for those who cannot afford to purchase a prosthesis. Affordable medical equipment is important even in poor countries and remote areas. There are areas where the road infrastructure is inadequate and medical equipment cannot be transported. With 3D printing, these villages can easily print the equipment they need without having to transport it regularly.

What Are the Drawbacks of 3D Printing in Medical Imaging?

The drawbacks of 3D printing are listed below:

1. Not Eco-Friendly - 3D printing boils down to two resources: plastic and energy. When medical device manufacturers want to slim down or otherwise reduce energy consumption and emissions, 3D printing complicates those plans. Manufacturers can reduce this waste, and 3D printing itself is not necessarily waste. For example, 3D printing uses only the materials that end up in the product, so no material is spilled onto the factory floor. In a way, it is less wasteful than traditional manufacturing. Also, the plastics used in 3D printing are often recyclable. But plastic and high energy consumption are bad for the environment. Medical device manufacturers considering 3D printing will have to accept these environmental costs or look for alternatives.

2. Limited 3D Printing Material - Materials that can be used with 3D printers are limited. Composite devices, or devices that require special non-printable materials or components, may be difficult or impossible to 3D print without cutting some corners. However, new materials for 3D printing are being announced all the time. Suitable materials may only be available for months or years at some manufacturers. However, some materials, such as fabric, are difficult or impossible to print on. In such cases, manufacturers may be forced to rely wholly or partially on traditional manufacturing methods.

3. Inconsistent Quality of 3D-Printed Objects - 3D printers do not always give the best results. 3D printed objects can vary slightly in dimensions, and some design noise can be introduced into the manufacturing process, such as textures and bumps where surfaces need to be smoothed. In such cases, the operator must clear the noise or irregularities before the part touches the patient. When design flaws cause 3D printers to create the same flaws across batches of hundreds of devices, manufacturers must expend significant extra work fixing those flaws. These rework costs can offset the savings the manufacturer could have made by switching to his 3D printing process.

Conclusion

3D printing applications in medicine improve and continue to improve people's quality of life. 3D printers will eventually become an integral part of the medical process. 3D printing technology is used in current scenarios to print tissue, surgical instruments, surgical models, and custom prostheses. Medical device manufacturers can benefit from 3D printing in a number of ways. This technology enables reduced manufacturing costs, patient-specific devices, and just-in-time manufacturing approaches. However, manufacturers should be aware of the current shortcomings of 3D printing technology before investing heavily. 3D printers are energy intensive, have limited capabilities compared to some traditional manufacturing methods, and cannot always produce devices that meet exact specifications.