An Overview of 3-D Printing for Medical Applications.

PURPOSE

To review the basics of 3-D printing and discuss the future of 3-D printing and its place in medical imaging.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using EBSCO, JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Recent publications that provided robust and current information were preferred, but older articles were used, if needed.

RESULTS

3-D printing began by converting a computer-aided design into a physical model. Also referred to as additive manufacturing, 3-D printing was developed as an alternative to the more costly process of subtractive manufacturing. The construction, application, and implementation of 3-D product designs has allowed for 3-D printing in various environments, from manufacturing to medicine.

DISCUSSION

Since its beginning, the purpose and applicability of 3-D printing have shifted from the simple production of visual prototypes to the provision of innovative solutions to problems. 3-D printing has allowed for greater creativity in medicine and is increasing the popularity of medical imaging because of its suitability for anatomic modeling, teaching, and patient education.

CONCLUSION

Radiology departments are becoming vital components of 3-D printing in health care by providing computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data sets to designate anatomical structures for 3-D fabrication. 3-D medical printing programs in hospital settings might be limited to larger facilities because of associated start-up costs. However, as competition in the 3-D market increases, costs are expected to decline, which will help reduce barriers to 3-D printing across the health care community.