3D Printing in Healthcare: Solving Clinical Problems and Shaping the Future of Medical Careers

3D Printing: Revolutionising Problem-Solving in Healthcare and Empowering Professionals

As healthcare professionals, you’re at the forefront of an industry that is constantly evolving. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing into medical practice is transforming patient care and reshaping professional roles. At UNSW Sydney, biomedical engineers are collaborating with clinicians to create anatomically accurate, patient-specific 3D models. These models are not only improving surgical planning but also fostering innovation in the healthcare system.

A patient-specific 3D printed skull was made by a team at the Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering to assist in surgery to remove a brain tumour. Image from UNSW/Richard Freemaan

Here’s how this groundbreaking work at UNSW Sydney’s Tyree Foundation Institute of Health Engineering (IHealthE) is impacting healthcare professionals and paving the way for the future.

Revolutionising Surgical Planning

For surgeons and clinicians, the ability to visualise and interact with precise 3D models is a game-changer. These models replicate the anatomy of individual patients, offering unparalleled accuracy and insights.

Key Benefits for Medical Professionals

1. Enhanced Precision in Procedures:

• Clinicians can simulate surgeries, plan trajectories, and test instruments using these 3D models.
• Example: Surgeons successfully planned a minimally invasive approach for an eight-year-old patient with a brain tumour using a 3D-printed skull model.

2. Streamlined Decision-Making:

• Accurate replicas enable healthcare teams to test scenarios and make informed decisions swiftly.
• Example: Anaesthetists tested different endotracheal tube designs on a 3D-printed trachea, ensuring a safe approach for a young scoliosis patient.

3. Improved Patient Communication:

• The models help patients and their families visualise procedures, enhancing understanding and trust.
• Dr Catherine Banks highlights that even for medical professionals, understanding the spatial relationships in two-dimensional scans can be challenging. Three-dimensional models provide a clearer and more intuitive way to visualise these connections, benefiting both clinicians and patients.

The Role of Healthcare Professionals

This technology isn’t just about the tools—it’s about empowering professionals like you to deliver better care.

1. For Surgeons:

• Plan and practise procedures on realistic models to refine techniques and reduce surgical risks.

2. For Anaesthetists and Radiologists:

• Test and adapt interventions in advance, streamlining operations and improving patient safety.

3. For Allied Health Professionals:

• Use models to better understand patient anatomy, contributing to holistic, multidisciplinary care.

4. For Educators and Students:

• Train on realistic, patient-specific models to gain hands-on experience and build confidence.

Innovating with Bio-Mimicking Materials

The future of 3D printing lies in bio-mimicking materials—substances that replicate the flexibility, texture, and density of real body tissues.

Potential for Medical Practice

• Surgeons will be able to practise complex procedures with materials that behave like native bone or tissue under pressure.
• Bio-mimicking models will enable healthcare professionals to test the physical limits of tissues, improving procedural accuracy and outcomes.

System-Wide Implications

The adoption of 3D printing in healthcare has profound implications for the entire system:

1. Cost Efficiency:

• Reduced complications and hospital stays lead to significant cost savings.

2. Collaborative Innovation:

• Facilities like UNSW’s Integrated Acute Services Building (IASB) foster partnerships between engineers and clinicians, driving advancements in care.

3. Future-Ready Workforce:

• Professionals who embrace these technologies will be at the forefront of a healthcare revolution.

Actionable Steps for Healthcare Professionals

To stay ahead in this evolving field, here’s what you can do:

1. Learn and Adapt:

• Attend workshops or training on 3D printing applications in medicine.

2. Advocate for Integration:

• Encourage the use of 3D models in your practice for surgical planning and patient education.

3. Collaborate Across Disciplines:

• Work with engineers and technical experts to develop innovative solutions for clinical challenges.

4. Explore Multidisciplinary Roles:

• Expand your expertise by engaging with other healthcare disciplines in a collaborative setting.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Healthcare Careers

The integration of 3D printing into clinical practice is not just a technological advancement—it’s a career opportunity for healthcare professionals to redefine their roles and improve patient outcomes. By adopting this innovation, you can be part of a transformative movement that bridges the gap between engineering and medicine.

To witness 3D printing in action and explore its transformative potential in healthcare, watch this insightful video by UNSW Sydney:

As 3D printing continues to evolve, the possibilities for innovation and impact in your profession are endless. Embrace the future and be at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge care. Visit the MediaNet News Hub to learn more and stay updated on the latest developments.