2023-07-20 22:02:28
The applications of 3D printing in the medical sector are growing. Today, it can be used to create personalized medical devices for each patient, such as custom prostheses, orthoses, and implants. In addition, additive manufacturing also serves as a tool in the most complex operations as it allows the creation of highly detailed models and surgical guides. In Spain, 3D technology is becoming increasingly important. Many hospitals, universities, research laboratories and health centers are already taking advantage of this manufacturing method. One such Spanish medical organization is Tailor Surgery. For this reason, we spoke with his team to learn more regarding the use of 3D printing in medicine.
3DN: Can you introduce yourself and tell us regarding your relationship with 3D printing?
I am Ferran Fillat Gomà, specialist in orthopedic surgery and traumatology. I did my doctoral thesis on the application of 3D printing in my field, in particular how 3D printing influences the improvement of the diagnosis of fractures of the proximal humerus. I immediately realized that 3D printing might have multiple applications in traumatology. Along with the doctoral thesis, I decided to promote the digital surgical planning laboratory currently known as 3DPTLab of the Parc Taulí Hospital Research Institute. From there I started different lines of research related to 3D printing and clinical application. Currently, the hospital’s 3D laboratory is carrying out more than 22 research projects, the objective of which is to provide scientific evidence for the application of this technology in other specialties, not only in traumatology.
3DN: How did the idea of creating Tailor Surgery come regarding?
Custom surgery was born out of a clinical need. We saw that with 3D printing it was possible to carry out personalized treatments in orthopedic surgery. Currently, orthopedic and traumatological surgery is a specialty, in which most of the treatments that we perform in the operating room require the use of implants. Despite the fact that the technology exists today to customize them, the vast majority of surgeries are performed with standard implants. What current techniques do is adapt the patient to the implant. The main advantage that 3D printing offers us is that we can adapt the implant to each patient. Moreover, as it requires prior digital surgery, this technology makes it possible to anticipate in advance a surgery which presents difficulties and inconveniences. In this way, we can improve the diagnosis of the patient and treat him in a safer, more precise and more efficient way.
3DN: What should be taken into account when using technology in the medical sector?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that technology adds value to the process. In other words, if it is a diagnostic process, the applied 3D technology improves the diagnosis compared to the current method. If it is a treatment process that improves the current treatment. Currently, there are many applications in 3D printing, only those that demonstrate that they add value to the process will be those that will be implemented. Therefore, you must first demonstrate the value that this technology offers, and then demonstrate, with my scientific evidence, its safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.
3DN: What materials and printing methods do you work with?
The medical sector has the particularity that the materials must be certified for medical use, depending on their applicability we can use different ranges of materials. We can differentiate into two main areas. Materials certified for medical use : they must meet safety requirements and certifications and depending on their application, the manufacturing process must also be certified. We mainly work with medical grade resins, silicones, polyamides and titanium. The other area isexperimental environmentvalidation of prototypes, which will not be in contact with the patient, we can use a wide variety of materials for experimental tests and according to technical needs.
3DN: How do you see the future of additive manufacturing in medicine?
I believe that currently the adoption in the medical sector is more and more present in different products and applications. I think the next five years, this trend will continue to increase, as many research groups publish their results of new applications. The benefits and applications that this technology brings to the medical sector are countless.
3DN: A last word for our readers?
I particularly encourage researchers, the applications and possibilities are endless. Focus on those that really add value to the patient. Don’t get discouraged on the way to getting there. You can find more information ICI.
What do you think of Tailor Surgery and the use of 3D printing in medicine? Share your opinion in the comments of the article. Find all our videos on our channel YouTube or follow us on Facebook or Twitter !
*Credits of all photos: Tailor Surgery
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