The future of 3D printing
3D- printing is an evolving thing that came up a couple of years ago. In the very beginning it was a huge developing, now a days it's not so special for us anymore. But I found something that is quiet a new innovation.
WHAT
Scientist developed a new system which can make a 3D print of a heart. First of all, the patient has to do a MRI-scan and after that the 3D-print can be made. These 3D-hearts are there to help doctors preparing an operation. It takes a few hours to make the print, and right after that it can be used as tester for the operation. Doctors are better prepared and mistakes can be prevent, when they practice the operation first. Also the time that a doctor needs to inspects the heart, will be shorter, because he already had time to take a good look.
Another innovation
There is another thing that's coming up with 3D-printing for hospitals. A 3D-printed cast fore when you have a bone fracture. The cast is a more efficient way to the healing process and to stabilize the bones. Showering is also easier with this cast because you can just hold the cast under water, it's no problem. For the cast to make, you need to do a 3D scan and after that your cast can be printed.
WHY
This 3D-printing for hospitals suits the Inline macro trend. Online en Offline are used. There is something happening offline, like a heart operation or bone fracture. And online, with a 3D print, we find a solution. I think it's very important for hospitals to use such a thing, because it makes it easier en better for the patients. This is also a result of the technological knowledge that's evolving in our world. We can do more and more stuff with technology and there is a lot more to come.
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Sources
http://www.nu.nl/gezondheid/4127832/3d-print-van-hart-moet-artsen-helpen-bij-operaties.html
http://www.fastcodesign.com/3029766/could-this-3-d-printed-cast-really-heal-bones-faster#4
Fig 1 - http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/80541000/jpg/_80541603_80541602.jpg
Fig 2 - http://futurum3d.pl/wp-content/uploads/zdjecia-podstrony/technologie/SLS/sls1.jpg
Video - http://youtu.be/trtU1NzUBTICH5ZY0