An Overview of 3-D Printing for Medical Applications

Purpose: To review the basics of 3-D printing and discuss the future of 3-D printing and its place in medical imaging.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using EBSCO, JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. Recent publications that provided robust and current information were preferred, but older articles were used, if needed.

Results: 3-D printing began by converting a computer-aided design into a physical model. Also referred to as additive manufacturing, 3-D printing was developed as an alternative to the more costly process of subtractive manufacturing. The construction, application, and implementation of 3-D product designs has allowed for 3-D printing in various environments, from manufacturing to medicine.

Discussion: Since its beginning, the purpose and applicability of 3-D printing have shifted from the simple production of visual prototypes to the provision of innovative solutions to problems. 3-D printing has allowed for greater creativity in medicine and is increasing the popularity of medical imaging because of its suitability for anatomic modeling, teaching, and patient education.

Conclusion: Radiology departments are becoming vital components of 3-D printing in health care by providing computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging data sets to designate anatomical structures for 3-D fabrication. 3-D medical printing programs in hospital settings might be limited to larger facilities because of associated start-up costs. However, as competition in the 3-D market increases, costs are expected to decline, which will help reduce barriers to 3-D printing across the health care community.