3D printing is now offering everything from affordable prosthetics to replacement body parts. Discover the incredible and amazing ways that this new technology is changing lives for the better as we dive into the wonderful world of medical marvels. 

Discover the incredible and amazing ways that this new technology is changing lives for the better as we dive into the wonderful world of medical marvels. 

The Cyborg Beast Design

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Cyborg Beast

The cyborg beast is a project created with the intention of allowing the printing of low-cost prosthetics for underserved populations.

In other words, they're making affordable prosthetics available to the masses. These 3D printed limbs are licensed under the Creative Commons-Attribution-Non-Commercial license and are essentially available for anyone to use. An impressive way to improve lives across the globe. 

Tailor-made sensors

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Washington University in St. Louis

What you're seeing here is a fully personalised heart sensor. A 3D printed sensor that's a perfect fit the for the user, as everyone's organs are different.

What you're seeing here is a fully personalised heart sensor. New 3D printing technology allows bioengineers to create realistic models of a patients heart that a stretchy sensor can then be built around. The result of this is a life-saving sensor that's a perfect fit the for the user, as everyone's organs are different.

This technology will help ensure people with delicate tickers get help right when they need it most.

3D printed blood vessels

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SIchuan Revotek

Engineers are currently working on improving medical 3D printing technology to allow the mass printing of human organs for transplant.

This work includes the creation of viable blood vessels that could be used in the human body. A recent breakthrough has even allowed Chinese scientists to successfully implant these vessels in monkeys.

These sorts of medical advancements could see the need for transplant waiting lists negated and people's lives being saved in much more cost-effective ways.

Accurate micro-tools

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Microfabrica

3D printing in the medical field isn't just limited to valves, vessels and body parts.

One company is also using these techniques and technologies to create micro-tools capable of performing accurate and intricate surgery with less risk.

These minuscule surgical instruments include forceps less than a millimetre in diameter and allow for the creation of a range of new tools to help surgeons operate safely on a daily basis.

3D printed heart valves

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J. Butcher, Cornell University

This bio-printing system ensures doctors can create a patient-specific heart valve that's more likely to take and keep the user alive.

Heart disease is a problem that affects people from all ages and walks of life. A simple valve defect can be easily fatal if left untreated. Current treatment for adults involves the use of prosthetic valves, but these aren't suitable for everyone - especially not children.

In steps 3D printing, with the creation of precise bio-printing technology that allows the fabrication of living heart valves that are a perfect fit for the patient. This bio-printing system ensures doctors can create a patient-specific heart valve that's more likely to take and keep the user alive.

Complex surgical tools

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Bitegroup

Other companies are using 3D printing to create complex surgical tools too.

Here, the Dragonflex Micro is a miniaturised tool designed to be reliable and precise even with components on such a small scale. Impressive that these tiny 3D printed tools are capable of saving lives.

Supporting exoskeletons

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Stratasys

3D printing is helping with the development of exoskeletons designed to help disabled people by giving them back the ability to move in ways they couldn't.

3D printing is helping people on the outside too. The development of these sorts of exoskeletons helps disabled people by giving them support where they need it most.

This enables them to move in new and wonderful ways that their body would never normally allow. Children with congenital diseases are suddenly capable of moving around like their friends and joy is brought to their entire families via simple printed technology.

Transplant jaws

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Xilloc

An 83-year-old woman was faced with issues of a chronic bone infection and doctors turned to 3D printing to print a new jaw.

When an 83-year-old woman was faced with issues of a chronic bone infection and doctors believe that her age made reconstructive surgery too risky, they turned to 3D printing.

This newly printed jaw was the result. A complex model that needed to include joints for movement as well as cavities to encourage muscle attachment and the regrowth of veins and nerves, it was initially a tough design. The result, however, was a success and the woman was able to leave the hospital just four days after the operation with a new jaw intact.

Real bone from a 3D printer

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Xilloc

3D printing in calcium phosphate, the main constituent of natural bone, allows bone repair like never before.

After a CT-scan of a patient, biomedical engineers print a perfect fit replacement to repair or replace broken bones or problem areas. This 3D printing is slightly different from others on our list as it makes use of printing in calcium phosphate - the main constituent of natural bone.

Once the 3D printed material is grafted to the patients own bone, the two natural materials bond together and "unify" over the coming months. CT-Bone gives the best fit and best results in this sort of application.

Flexible bone implants

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Jakus/SHyNE

Also referred to as "hyperelastic bone" this newly developed technology is basically a kind of 3D printed ink that can be used to form flexible bone implants in any shape, size or form.

These new implants are embraced by the body and due to their flexibility, they also allow for infiltration of blood vessels and slowly turn into natural bone within the body.

3D printing in the medical world

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Frank Wojciechowski/Princeton University

Scientists successfully created the first functional 3D printed ear that's capable of hearing frequencies beyond that of the average human ear.

Scientists at Princeton University successfully created the first functional 3D printed ear that's capable of hearing frequencies beyond that of the average human ear.

These are the beginnings of the future of bionic ears. They represent not only possible replacements for those in need but perhaps the future of augmented human beings.

Replacement tissue

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Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Traditionally skin grafts are taken from other parts of a patients body to help replace burnt, damaged or diseased skin elsewhere. This practice may soon be a thing of the past as scientists have managed to print living tissue that could feasibly be used as a replacement where necessary.

So far they've managed to print and grow ear, bone and muscle structures into fully functional tissues that include blood vessels too. The aim is to be able to grow replacement tissue and organs to help deal with medical shortages and save lives across the world.

Stem cells

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Dr Will Shu / Biofabrication

It's nearly possible to load living cells into a capable machine to 3D print tissues, organs and more.

Advancements in stem cell research mean that we're reaching a point where it's nearly possible to load living cells into a capable machine to 3D print tissues, organs and more. All of which are capable of being used effectively inside the human body.

Printed organs

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Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Medical researchers have successfully designed a printer that's capable of printing kidney cells into a three-dimensional kidney prototype.

Medical researchers have successfully designed a printer that's capable of printing kidney cells into a three-dimensional kidney prototype.

Although still in early stages, this technology could mean that in future doctors will be able to use patient data from CT scans to create computer models of their organs and print perfect replicas.

3D printed teeth

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Stratasys

If you're worried about losing teeth, you might not need to worry much longer. Soon dentists might be able to print you a replacement.

If you're worried about losing teeth, you might not need to worry much longer. Soon dentists might be able to print you a replacement.

The news gets better too as this 3D printing tooth technology makes use of antimicrobial plastics which fight off bacteria and help improve oral hygiene.

3D printed medication

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Aprecia Pharmaceuticals Company

3D printing isn't limited to new body parts and skin cells, it's also being used in the creation of medication. In this case epilepsy meds.

3D printing isn't limited to new body parts and skin cells, it's also being used in the creation of medication.

This epilepsy drug is being mass-produced using 3D printers in a way that allows easier swallowing for those who need it. Over time, 3D printing will likely lead to a reduction in the production costs of medication and hopefully, a reduced cost to the end-user too.

Printed noses

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Mount Sinai

Biomedical engineers are 3D printing replacement noses to help those in desperate need of reconstructive surgery.

Facial reconstruction surgery is often complicated as patients will have to deal with issues of tissue rejection and a lifetime of immunosuppressive therapies to prevent the new bone being rejected.

Biomedical engineers are getting around this issue with 3D printing of replacement noses to help those in desperate need of reconstructive surgery. This technique is not only more successful, but allows a better fit for the patient as the printing can create a nose that's a shape for them.

Printed skin

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Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Traditional treatment for deep burns is to cover them with healthy skin from other parts of the body, but where extensive burns cover the whole body there often isn't a viable solution.

Scientists have broken new ground with technology that's capable of printing skin cells to help in situations like this. This printing also takes into account the fact that different kinds of skin cells are used at different depths, so the deeper the burns the more the printed skin needs to change to cope. Stem cells are also being used here to help with the healing of wounds and speed up the recovery process.

Printed lenses

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Formlabs

What you're looking at here might be the start of 3D printed prescription lenses, though it's certainly in its early stages.

What you're looking at here might be the start of 3D printed prescription lenses, though it's certainly in its early stages.

Although these printers are capable of printing lenses, there is still a lot of work that needs to be carried out in the form of polishing and sanding to make the lens usable. Still, it's yet another impressive use of 3D printing that we're excited to see progress. 

Medical models to help surgeons

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Suhtling Wong-Vienneau/University of Central Florida

3D bioprinting techniques are also applied to the creation of replica body parts that can be used in the training of new surgeons.

3D bioprinting techniques are also applied to the creation of replica body parts that can be used in the training of new surgeons.

Something like heart surgery, especially on children, can be extremely difficult, delicate and intricate. Being able to practice is an important part of a successful surgery and so this 3D printing of test organs will help save lives before surgery even begins.

Orthodontic braces

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Amos Dudley

A college student, low on cash but not lacking in ideas used 3D printing technology to create his own orthodontic braces after scanning his teeth,

A college student, low on cash but not lacking in ideas used 3D printing technology to create his own orthodontic braces after scanning his teeth, making and casting moulds and more. Impressive work that resulted in much straighter teeth for the young man. 

3D printed skulls

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UMC Utrecht

Surgeons used 3D printing techniques to create a replacement skull which was successfully implanted in life saving surgery.

A young woman from the Netherlands suffered from a chronic bone disorder which led to an increase in the thickness of her skull resulting in painful headaches and issues with her eyesight.

Surgeons used 3D printing techniques to create a replacement skull which was successfully implanted in her head effectively saving her life while also restoring her sight eliminating the headaches too. 

Advanced wound care

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VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd

A medical research team in Finland have used nano-structure cellulose to make 3D printed smart dressings that not only heal but also monitor skin wounds.

A medical research and development team in Finland have used nano-structure cellulose to make 3D printed smart dressings that not only heal but also monitor skin wounds.

These smart dressings provide essential data on patient recovery to medical practitioners to help aid with patient care. 

Project Daniel

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Not Impossible/Project Daniel

Not Impossible Labs mission is to create and provide low-cost solution for the most vulnerable on our planet. Here, Project Daniel was a simple, yet life-changing mission to improve a young man's life.

Daniel is a Sudanese boy whose arms were blown off during a bombing, the Not Impossible Labs team went to help build prosthetic arms and make his life better. 

Limbitless

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Limitless Solution

Limbitless Solutions has set out to change the world by not just creating bionic and 3D printed arms and limbs for children, but also by teaching those children about how science can help change the world for the better.

Limbitless is a project that even Robert Downey Jr has been involved with and they're doing great work with young people across the globe. 

The first 3D printed mechanical hand

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e-NABLE

This is Liam, the first boy in the world to receive a 3D printed prosthetic hand. This hand and others like it have been created by the e-NABLE Community - people from all over the world who are using 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those who need it. 

Superhero themed prosthetics

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Open Bionics

Open Bionics are creating a new generation of bionic prosthetics with superhero themes including Star Wars, Iron Man, Frozen and more.

These designs allow children to wear their new limbs with pride and not have to feel ashamed or embarrassed by something that's meant to help them in their daily lives. A wonderfully simple idea that's thrilling younger generations. 

EXO prosthetic legs

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William Root

The creator behind these prosthetic legs is determined to drive down costs and reduce the expense associated with them.

Using a variety of 3D scanning, printing and modelling technologies, these 3D printed legs are created using laser-sintered titanium making them light-weight and far cheaper than traditional models. Plus they look awesome too

Art4Leg

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Tomas Vacek/art4leg

This is a project aimed at creating covers for leg prosthesis to add a bit of style and flair to an otherwise uninspiring but necessary medical appendage.

This is a project aimed at creating covers for leg prosthesis to add a bit of style and flair to an otherwise uninspiring but necessary medical appendage.

The unique covers are created to express the lifestyle and character of the owner while maintaining the form of a natural human leg. So they can stand out when they need to but look natural when they don't. 

Prosthetics for animals

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e-NABLE

Furry and feathered creatures need help too. As well as helping humans, the e-NABLE Community is also creating prosthetics for animals and creatures of all shapes and sizes.

These simple 3D printings help bring happiness back into the lives of creatures everywhere.

Microswimmers

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Leiden University

Researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands have 3D printed microscopic objects designed to mimic and allow the study of microswimmers. 

Researchers at Leiden University in the Netherlands have 3D printed microscopic objects designed to mimic and allow the study of microswimmers. 

The study is designed to help scientists analyse naturally occurring organisms like white blood cells, bacteria, sperm and more - monitoring how they move. 

The research could lead to medical advancements in the future as well - for example in the field of drug delivery. 

A cast that helps you heal

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Osteoid/Deniz Karasahin

In 2014, designer Deniz Karasahin created this brilliant concept of a new cast for broken limbs that not only looks awesome but also helps the healing process.

The 3D printed cast included a low-intensity pulsed ultrasound system that was designed to help damaged bones to heal faster - as much as 38 per cent faster in fact. 

3D kidney models

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Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

In 2018, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust used pioneering 3D printing technology in order to save the life of a small three-year-old boy. 

Dexter Clark, was born with a severe kidney condition. His Dad's kidney was thought to be the answer, but surgeons needed to be sure before carrying out the transplant procedure. 

The result was this 3D printing which would allow the team to better assess the complexities of the surgery and work out whether it would fit into Dexter's body. 

The transplant registrar at the time, Mr Pankaj Chandak said that "The 3D models helped us appreciate aspects such as depth perception and space within the child’s abdomen, which can often be difficult to determine when looking at conventional imaging...The flexible materials also allowed us to better mimic the flexibility of organs within the abdomen in real life."

Bone plates

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3D Medical

Another superb use of 3D printing in the medical space is the printing of parts that can be used to repair damaged skulls. 

Another superb use of 3D printing in the medical space is the printing of parts that can be used to repair damaged skulls. 

There are several reports of this from around the world, including one from China where a farmer had his skull repaired with 3D printed titanium

A printed vaccine patch

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

A team from Stanford University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have crafted a 3D printed vaccine patch which they say gives an immune response ten times greater than a vaccine delivered into an arm muscle with a needle.

Obviously, it has many other benefits too. It can be self-administered and is a great solution for those who hate the idea of needles. 

3D Printed baby skull

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Sygnis

In August 2022 a baby girl was born in Rzeszow in Poland with a birth defect which meant her skull wasn't entirely formed and her brain was left exposed.

Surgeons got the help of 3D tech specialists Sygnis who crafted this print of her skull based on detailed MRI and CT scans taken by the hospital. 

The model helped surgeons to carefully repair damage to the girl's skull and save her life, with plans for future 3D printing to help repair the skull in future too. 

3D printed tourniquets

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Glia

Tourniquets are essential on battlefields where wounds could lead to massive bleeding and serious injury or death if not treated. But it's not always easy to get medical supplies where they're needed. 

Canadian company Glia developed designs for 3D printing tourniquets to help out in Ukraine. Allowing people to help create and send medical supplies with ease. 

Surgical table

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Western University Canada

Western Engineering and Michigan Tech University teamed up in 2022 to work on a 3D-printed surgical table. Surgical tables can usually cost as much as $250,000, so the hope here is to make something much more affordable. Thus making healthcare more accessible too. 

The resulting final printed table seen here is said to cost just $4,000. Which would no doubt be a blessing for many medical institutions.