Medical Additive Manufacturing in Surgery: Translating Innovation to the Point of Care

AbstractAlongside computed tomography, additive manufacturing (also known as three-dimensional or 3D printing) is a significant MedTech innovation that allows the fabrication of anatomical biomodels, surgical guides, medical/dental devices, and customized implants. Available since the mid-1980s, 3D printing is growing increasingly important in medicine by significantly transforming today’s personalized medicine era. 3D printing of biological tissues will provide a future for many patients, eventually leading to the printing of human organs. Unlike subtractive manufacturing (where the material is removed and 3D objects are formed by cutting, drilling, computer numerical control milling, and machining), the critical driver for the exponential growth of 3D printing in medicine has been the ability to create complex geometric shapes with a high degree of functionality. 3D printing also offers the advantage of developing highly customized solutions for patients that cannot be achieved by any other manufacturing technology.