Advances in 3D Printing in Medicine and Biomedical Engineering

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid development of 3D printing, 3DP, and its medical applications is introducing revolutionary changes in patient care and healthcare organization. Customization typical for 3DP allows for the personalization of care, contributing to patient well-being. On one hand, 3D-printed models used for surgery planning and implants, as well as prostheses, contribute to faster patient recovery and patient comfort. On the other hand, they are used for manufacturing patient-matching surgical or radiological instruments. In addition, the models can be used for teaching doctors and enhancing patient understanding of surgery or other procedures with which they will be treated. Of numerous 3D-printed medical devices, the creation of unique patient-specific devices for rare illnesses can be mentioned. Moreover, 3D-printed drugs, in particular polydrugs and those in doses adapted for the patient, e.g., antibiotics for children, must also be mentioned.

The hearing aid industry was the first to be fully overtaken by 3DP, though dentistry is following suit. Another domain of 3DP application in healthcare that is closer to achieving full industrial applications is the design, fabrication and use of medical equipment.

Three-dimensional bioprinting is 3DP using cells as the printing material. Today, though it is in its infancy, it allows for the manufacturing of bioresorbable prostheses, in particular for the breast, after the removal of a tumor. Today, the use of 3D bioprinting is limited but developing 3D-bioprinted organs is the ultimate goal.

Prof. Dr. Helena Dodziuk
Guest Editor

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