Would you believe we're doing that now? With a 3-D printer, manufacturing companies can make the parts they need quicker and cheaper than the old-fashioned way.
The medical field is finding ways to use the 3-D printer. For instance, finger splints. My first thought was "big deal." That's pretty common. Well, it is to us. But in poor countries where splints have to be ordered from overseas and in bulk, a 3-D printer can custom make a splint in 10 minutes and is a whole lot cheaper.
The printer can make organs--hearts, lungs, kidneys. Waiting lists for patients needing replacement organs might be a thing of the past.
The ease and low cost of making prosthetics mean patients can have a limb that's customized just for them sooner and cheaper. The printer can also make joint replacements last longer.
The next item made my eyes pop. Using bio-printing, researchers at Cornell can fabricate living heart valves with the same structure as the original valve. So, why was this of interest to me? My husband needs to have his aortic valve replaced. Soon. We were hit with this info a week ago. On Monday, he had a heart catharization where we found out for sure what the echocardiogram indicated. Severe aortic stenosis.
While the idea of a made-to-order heart valve using a 3-D bio-printer sounds fascinating, we'll find out more next week when we see the surgeon. Will they use metal or plastic or a valve from a cow or pig? Not sure when one made by a replicator will be available.
Isn't it amazing what seems like science fiction is already a reality?
If you want more in-depth information on 3-D printing in medicine, here's a link:
https://medicalfuturist.com/3d-printing-in-medicine-and-healthcare/
5 comments:
Wow! That's interesting. Your posts are always so educational. Although since it's almost lunch time now I'd like to replicate something good for lunch out of thin air. :)
Sounds like a plan to me, Maureen. I don't intend my posts to be educational. I just come across these fascinating tidbits, and the old teacher in me has to share. lol
What a totally fascinating post.
Thanks, Linda.
All my best to Bob (and you) on the valve replacement. How amazing that someday some it will be as simple as putting a car up on the rack to change plugs (well, maybe not that simple). To quote my friend Spock, "Fascinating."
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