Medical Advice

New Medical Discoveries

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Artificial organs and a possible cancer cure aren't the future—they're the now

3D-Printed Devices and Organs

Scientists gathering around 3-D printer and watching process of model production in laboratory

The 3D printer was invented in 1983 by Chuck Hull. In 2019, however, the medical industry began to perfect 3D printers to design and create artificial organs. Implants, joints, and prosthetics can be measured and designed precisely, so they fit perfectly in your body. The printing has improved the ability to accurately design and create artificial organs, so they're more likely to be comfortable and mobile for the recipient.

Research published in the British Medical Journal studied 350 cases of 3D-printed artificial implants, the majority of which were used in oral and maxillofacial surgery (affecting the mouth, teeth, jaws and face) and 23.7% of which were used in musculoskeletal system (which provides form, support, stability, and movement to the body). These implants were found to be "clinically effective," and it was concluded that these 3D printed devices "outperformed their conventional comparators."

In one case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Glenn Green treated an infant with localized bronchial malacia, a breathing issue, with a three-dimensional splint created by a 3D printer. The splint immediately improved the infant's breathing. Said Dr. Green: "Beyond anything that I even dreamt about during my early training, 3D printing offers the ability to create medical devices to improve the lives of our patients."

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