3D Printing 1

3D Printing Revolutionizing Medicine

Rachel Lantz
Glen Allen High School

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Introduction
Technological advancements have transformed the modern world. The printing press,
steam engine, and light bulb have all made significant impacts on human lives. 3D printing will
likely serve as a modern advancement in the medical field. Over the past three decades, 3D
printing technology has developed and revolutionized many industries such as aerospace science,
dentistry, fashion, and most importantly, medicine.
Many analysts are predicting that in the next few decades, medical professionals will
have the technology to engineer human organs from stem cells. Printers are used to create
prosthetic limbs, skin grafts, bones, and hopefully human organs in the future (3D Printing
Industry, 2014). This advancing technology is entirely experimental and there are trials taking
place to test its effectiveness.

What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing is also referred to as additive manufacturing (AM) as the material is added
layer by layer in a variety of ways (3D Printing Industry, 2014). There are many different types
of printers and materials that are used to generate the product. Especially in medicine, there are a
myriad of printer types and materials as the products have very different compositions and
structures. Scientists have repurposed the technology of the inkjet printer to create skin grafts for
patients.
In medicine, radiologists compile x-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans in order to create a
3D digital image to print the desired material. The printer builds the product in layers as medical
products are complex structures and each layers may require a different design (Ventola, 2014)

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The Ethics
There are growing debates regarding the ethics behind 3D printing as stem cells are used
in its implementation. With the rise of the pro-life versus pro-choice debate, many people have
turned to the medical field to either praise or ridicule its efforts in creating this new technology.
There are some who believe that since these tissues are developed artificially, their
religious values conflict with the process. On the other hand, there are religions, such as some
Native American cultures, which do not accept organ donations. However, since these tissues are
artificially engineered, these people would have the opportunity to replace their failing organ.

Current Applications
The medical specialties that are most heavily impacted by 3D printing include plastic
surgery, therapy, and internal medicine.
Recently, United States military officials have been meeting with medical professionals
with the aspiration of taking CT scans of soldiers before they go to war. This would provide
doctors with a 3D image of soldiers so if a soldier loses a limb or needs facial reconstruction,
doctors could use the image to print a well-fitted prosthetic or print skin grafts (Luimstra, 2014).
Also, surgeons are currently using 3D images to print acrylic resin models of tumors to
ease the surgical process for doctors. Surgeons are able to use these models to practice removing
the tumor from the surrounding structure which increase the likelihood of success in a given
procedure as surgeons have more information regarding the tumor shape and potential obstacles.
3D printing enables surgeons to be even more prepared for complex surgeries (McCluskey,
2015). Throughout the country, there are many patients positively affected by the applications of

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3D printing on a daily basis so they may obtain more affordable prosthetic limbs and other
assistive devices (Hart, 2012).

Conclusion
Throughout 3D printers have given patients more opportunities for inexpensive
healthcare, introduced new procedures for doctors, and advanced stem cell research. 3D printing
is a modern technological advancement that will indeed revolutionize medicine.

References
3D Printing Industry. (2014, May). 3D Printing Basics: The Free Beginners Guide. Retrieved
from http://3dprintingindustry.com/3d-printing-basics-free-beginners-guide/
Hart, B. (2012, March 6). Will 3D Printing Change the World?. Retrieved from:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/gcaptain/2012/03/06/will-3d-printing-change-the-world/2/
Luimstra, J. (2015, February 16). US Military Wants to Scan Soldiers Before They Go to War.
Retrieved from: http://3dprinting.com/news/us-military-wants-scan-soldiers-go-war/
McCluskey, P. D. (2015, January 18). 3D Printer Helps Doctors Prep for Complex Surgeries.
Retrieved from http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/01/18/with-printer-doctorsget-help-prepping-for-complex-surgeries/Wf4GVpGMHapbG6sWGYlEYP/story.html
Ventola, C. (2014, October). Medical Applications for 3D Printing: Current and Projected Uses.
Retrieved from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4189697/