Additive Manufacturing at the Point of Care

The flexibility additive manufacturing offers enables it to be used as a product generation solution at the point-of-care.

Bringing additive manufacturing and procedural planning technologies to the point of care is an innovative way for healthcare systems to improve outcomes, increase efficiency, and reduce total costs. This approach is gaining popularity as more healthcare executives realize the benefits of point of care (POC). “Additive manufacturing adoption in hospitals is growing rapidly, spurred by the pandemic, increased demand for precision healthcare, and the affordability and availability of 3D printing solutions,” said Gaurav Manchanda, medical market development director for Formlabs, a Somerville, Mass.-based 3D printing technology developer and manufacturer.

3D printing (3DP) is used in surgical settings to help improve patient care across the spectrum of investigation, planning, procedural, and post-operative processes.

“For prosthetics, the ability to create custom fittings allows for maximum comfort, while geometrical freedom allowed by 3D printing means new design structures can be created for lighter, stronger prostheses,” said Jessica Coughlin, director of market access for healthcare for Stratasys, an Eden Prairie, Minn.- and Rehovot, Israel-based manufacturer of 3D printers, polymer materials, software, and 3D-printed parts on demand. “For medical devices, the reduction in production lead time and availability of biocompatible materials means more personalized solutions are getting to patients more quickly.”

3D printing is also emerging as a new diagnostic tool for pre-surgical planning. 3D-printed models are extremely advantageous to surgeons—”for example, handling accurate physical replicas engages active spatial perception skills, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the presented information in an inherently intuitive manner that cannot be achieved with conventional methods of imaging review that use screen-based 2D or volume-rendered representations,” Coughlin added.

The primary use case for POC AM/3DP (point of care additive manufacturing/3D printing) today is creating physical anatomical patient models, especially for patients with complex or rare conditions. Physicians analyze these models to determine the best treatment options, prepare for surgery, or explain procedures to patients—allowing them to make better-informed decisions that lead to improved patient outcomes.

By Mark Crawford | Orthopedic Design & Technology

Image Credit: 3D LifePrints

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About Peter Coffaro 510 Articles
Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.

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