drvarun sqMedical 3D Printing & Bioprinting

Dr Varun Tyagi is a medical doctor who practices in India and writes about remarkable and historical landmarks throughout the medical world.  Dr Varun believes that 3D printing can help democratize medical care, making medical devices affordable and available to everyone on the planet.

3D Printing enables PhD Student to create Kidney and Prostate models

3d printed models stratasys

Nicole Wake, a PhD student at Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at NYU School of Medical Sciences, has started working with Stratasys to produce patient-specific, color-coded, 3D printed kidney and prostate models using Stratasys J750 3D printer. These models are then used by physicians to enhance the treatment of several patients and guide surgeons before performing the surgeries.

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Research and Development Tax Credits to aid 3D Printing

3d printing medical devices

3D Printing has been changing the lives of many with its vast use in medical field, allowing them to print medical devices featuring complex geometries. Since the 3D Printing market will soon hit growth rate of 26.2%, a total of $2.3 billion by 2020. Firms and companies engaged in 3D Printing can use Research and Development (R & D) Tax Credit to receive aid and further enhance the era without worrying for the budget.

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Robotic Surgery and 3D Printing comes together for first time

robotic spinal surgery

The robotic technology mixed up with 3D Printing seems like a great idea. Thanks to ROSA, the robot, the dream is finally complete. A 6-year old handicapped suffering with genetic disorder called infantile spinal amyotrophy and severe progressive scoliosis was recently treated with spinal surgery held at University Hospital of Amiens in France. 3D Printed models helped the ROSA install ilio-sarcal screws and practice the complete surgery before the child received the treatment.

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3D Bioprinted Vascular Tissue Scaffolds to enter market: 3Dynamic Systems

3d bioprinted vascular scaffolds

The 3D Printed Vascular Tissue Scaffolds were recently developed by 3Dynamic Systems, a company in Swansea University, Wales. The scaffolds can be used to treat microtia and the company has announced that the commercial market can soon see these scaffolds which can be used for surgical therapy and transplantation while also speed up the field of reconstructive medicine.

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Formalabs submits Newer Biocompatible 3D Printing Resins

formlabs biocompatible resin

Formlabs recently introduced a biocompatible resin in desktop 3D printing called Dental SG which allows dental practitioners to create things like customized drill guides using 3D printing. Formlabs has now introduced a new dental 3D printing resin known as Dental LT Clear. It is the first long-term biocompatible resin in desktop 3D printing, available to be used for orthodontic devices.

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Johnson & Johnson steps out to 3D Printing for Medicine

johnson and johnson medicine

Johnson & Johnson has gone in collaborations with HP and major 3D Printing companies like GE Healthcare in its advanced manufacturing lab which is stocked with 3D printers, robots and other advanced technology. The Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing  Center of Excellence believes 3D printing can be a boon for technology in medicine as well as the pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer uses of the technology to a mainstream or a global level.

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3D Printed Spinal Implant alleviates Nerve Pain

3d print spinal implant australia

Dr. Ralph Mobbs from Sydney Spine Clinic, New South Wales, recently performed a surgery that consisted of 3D Printed Titanium Custom Spinal Implant for a 33-year old patient named Evan Horvat from Wollongong. With the 3D Printing and Softwares- 3DMorphic and 3DMPlato, he was able to relieve the intense pain of nerve in his back and leg, due to a bulging disc and a major congenital defect that caused a joint in his lower spine to be abnormally shaped

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Conjoined Twins separated through 3D Printing hit the first milestone

mcdonald twins update

The craniopaqus twins who were born as conjointed twins last year in Children’s Hospital of Montefiore [CAHM], New York, underwent 20 hour surgery with the help of 3D Printing Systems. A highly specialized 3D Printed Model was created of the conjoined twins which guided the surgeons towards a successful surgery with perfect incisions. It has been 1 year now and they seem to be progressing perfectly normal over milestones of childhood.

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Bored of Traditional Prosthetics? Glaze Prosthetics is just here!

3d printed glaze prosthetics

Gone those days with the traditional unpleasant and colorless prosthetics. Glaze Prosthetics, a Polish based company has now introduced more choices to the owners by introducing completely customizable 3D Printed prosthetics. The clients can get various colors with choice on shape and size with high tech accessories. These prosthetics are believed to be light-weight and comfortable and fit for individual clients with a slightly modern look and useful functions.

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United States Citizen receives 3D Printed Sternum and Rib Cage

3d printed sternum rib cage

Penelop Heller, a patient of Chondrosarcoma, a rare cancer of bones and joints, underwent surgery for removal of cancer affected parts. She received Gore-Tex and Bone cement impants which caused trouble with pain and breathing. She later agreed to get a 3D Printed Sternum and Partial Rib Cage made of titanium and porous polyethylene. She is now the first patient in United States to recieve this treatment.

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3DExperience Forum brings BIOMODEX venture into Biomechanics and 3DPrinting

biomodex ceo interview

3DEXPERIENCE, a forum hosted by Dassault Systemes returned greater aspects as the ideas were exchanged at Hollywood, Florida by organizations including the BIOMODEX. They introduced INVIVOTECH, a unique technology that builds 3D printed composite models to mimic the in vivo biomechanics of organic tissues.

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3D Printed Models are the best tools for Clinicians

virtual human modeling interview

Initially started as Living Heart Project by Dassault Systemes in May 2014, the project has been expanded extensively to reach out clinicians over various zones. The company is currently working on expanding the project to stimulating drug interactions with the heart, which could predict if a specific drug would have a negative, toxic effect on the heart. The company believes the 3D Printed Models will continue to amaze the medical field and become the best tools for clinicians over time.

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3D Printed Titanium Implants and Bone Grafting combined for first time

3d printed jaw implant bone graft

Researchers at the Marriston Hospital, Wales recently unveiled ADEPT [Additive-manufacture for Design-led Efficient Patient Treatment] project in surgeries to reconstruct jaws affected by cancer. The hospital claims that its technique is the first of its kind as it combines bone graft with 3D printed titanium implants. Surgeons uses a piece of fibula from patient’s leg to replace sections of jaw that have been damaged.

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Citrene resins can revoultionize 3D Printing : Poly6

mit students citrus biomaterial

Poly6 recently developed a new biomaterial called Citrene, made from citrus rinds. Citrene resins are strong , flexible and biodegradable materials and outform other materials, offering not only safety and environmental friendliness but are also cost efficient to manufacturers. The main ingredient constitutes a natural oil making it fit for human consumption. The company is also looking to use bioprinter from Aether to explore the uses of Citrene.

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BASF and Poetis renew agreement for 3D Printed Skin

basf poietis bioprinting

Two years ago, BASF and Poietis signed an agreement regarding the3D printing of skin for cosmetic purposes. BASF wanted to use Poietis 3D laser-assisted bioprinting technology to further develop its Mimeskin tissue. The technology works on focusing a laser on bioink, which causes droplets of the ink to fall onto a substrate seeded with cells. The use of this technique eliminates the need for testing the products on animals.

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France Women receives 3D Printed Shoulder Implant after Shooting Crisis

3d printed shoulder implant

Nathalie Dufaut Danjon was shot by a man with a hunting rifle when the bullet entered her shoulder joint through the front and exited through her shoulder blade. Her shoulder's bony anatomy was destroyed, though the nerves were not affected. With the help of 3D Printing, Loose bone fragments were attached to muscle and membrane, by Dr. Brice Viard, an orthopedic surgeon at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire in Dijon, France. She has recovered greatly since then and thanks 3D Printing for the hope for new life.

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Electronics Manufacturing to re-invent 3D Print Medicine: University of Michigan

university of michigan medicine

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered a new 3D printing technology which allows them to print precise doses of medication onto dosing devices such as dissolvable strips, similar to breath strips, or microneedle patches.It works by inert gas and evaporated medication travelling through a nozzle, which is pointed at a cooled surface. The medication then condenses on that surface and sticks to it in a thin crystalline film. The technique could also allow doctors and pharmacists to combine multiple medications into one easy-to-deliver dose.

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3D Printed Human Retina Developers receive $90K by National Eye Institute

3d printed retinal model

National Eye Institute (NEI) announced in May that it would be awarding $1 million to whoever could create the best, most true-to-form lab-grown miniature retina in a petri dish. The competition was part of the 3-D Retina Organoid Challenge, which was launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The winning team was later announced, which was awarded $90,000, was led by Erin Lavik, ScD, from the University of Maryland. The 3D bioprinted retinal models were designed to allow researchers to study and find new ways to prevent the development of eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy – as well as to enable better pharmaceutical testing.

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3D Printed Virus Models help understand the Influenza Epidemics

3d printed viruses students

Students at CQUniversity are working to better understand how virus mutations happen, as well as the nature of other virus-borne diseases, with the help of 3D printing. CQUniversity’s medical and engineering departments are working together to scale up several virus models to about the size of a softball and 3D print them, so that students can hold and examine them from every angle. Dr. Padraig Strappe, Senior Lecturer in Medical Laboratory Science, concluded that by 3D printing a scaled-up flu virus they could highlight the haemmagluttin, which is the part of the virus that changes from year to year.

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Spinal Surgeons receives training from 3D Printed Vertebrae Models

3d printed vertebrae models

A new NTU (Nottingham University) project is focusing on 3D printed replica human vertebrae as part of pre-surgical training. The bone models are 3D printed in PLA material and a binding agent, then coated in polyester; the interior is made of polyurethane, and silicone is used to make the discs between vertebrae. Currently, the models are being created for surgeons who will be performing procedures such as laminectomies, where they may have to remove bone tissue to relieve a patient’s trapped nerves.

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Micro Organs by 3D Printing to replace Human Clinical Trials for Drug Testing

body on a chip system organoids

Clinical trials of newer drugs are somewhat risky in humans, thanks to 3D Printing, the newer organ-on-a-chip have been introduced that can cut off the risk. This newer technology is used to produce micro organs called organoids, especially liver, heart and lung which can then be used to test the drugs before use in humans. The technology is further being improved at Wake Institute for Regenerative Medicine with aid from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

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3D Printed Medical Marijuana Inhaler by Syqe

3D Printed Medical Marijuana Inhaler by Syqe

Syqe Medical, an Israeli drug delivery company has introduced a 3D Printed Medical Marijuana Inhaler which can deliver metered doses of cannabis or weed, thereby providing a controlled treatment. The inhaler will be free of smoke or other carcinogenic materials, and is expected to be distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals, once the FDA approval is gained next year.

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Recreating Microvasculature with 3D Printing

Coronary Microvasculature 300x300 2

One roadblock to 3D printing complete, functional organs lies in our inability to ensure the engineered tissue will be well nourished with an accessible blood supply.  Presently we have seen attempts at recreating arteries and veins, but successfully ensuring blood flow deep into tissue to the level of the capillary beds has proven elusive. A group of bioengineers and clinicians have pioneered a technique allowing them to print a fibrin patch containing organized endothelial cells, the cellular linining of blood vessels. Not only did the printed patch enhance blood vessel formation, but the engineered vascular tissue actually integrated with the host's own vasculature, improving tissue perfusion of damaged tissues. This research provides a novel technique that may permit printing of larger blocks of tissue and even organs.

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3D Printed Stents for a Perfect Fit in Every Heart

Vascular stent crop

Two professors at Northwestern’s McCormick School of Engineering, Guillermo Ameer and Cheng Sun, have developed a method of 3D printing patient-specific vascular stents that are both flexible and biodegradable. These 3D printed stents can be pre-loaded with drugs that are released at site of implant, shortening the healing process in the walls of blood vessels. Meanwhile the unique polymer material allows the stent to exercise its mechanical function during the vessel’s initial dilation but slowly dissolve as the re-opened blood vessel recovers.

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Roller Coaster Relief from Kidney Stones? 3D Printing Provides Proof-of-Concept

3D Printing proves Roller Coaster Rides can make Kidney Stones pass

Anecdotal evidence had suggested that high-impact activities, such as roller coaster riding or bungee jumping, could result in spontaneous passage of kidney stones, however 3D printing has now been used to validate the efficacy of a trip to Magic Mountain next time you suffer from kidney stones.  A study was conducted at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine where Dr. David D. Wartinger performed research on whether roller coaster rides can actually facilitate kidney stone passage. A 3D replica of a patient’s kidney was printed in clear silicone material and then was monitored with ureteroscopy during a roller coaster ride. The results verified that roller coaster rides can assist kidney stone passage.

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MatterHackers announces winners of WithinReach Contest

Winners of WithinReach by MatterHackers announced

The contest WithinReach, started on July 11th and ended on Sepember 6th was held by MatterHackers was held by MatterHackers inviting designers of all ages to participate in the event and create a 3D Printable tool to assist individuals with limited use of their hands. The event saw 203 entries out of which 6 winners were selected. The grand prize went to two students, Nima Yahyaabady (grade 7) and Aidan Mansell (grade 9) for NailIt.

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NASA, ASME and Future Engineers call for Mars Medical Challenge

 NASA ASME and Future Engineers call for Mars Medical Challenge

The collaborative venture of NASA, American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) and Future Engineers, an online education platform, has led to some 3d Printing Challenges recently, and now they have come up with the Mars Medical Challenge. Aiming directly towards future Mars mission, this challenge asks participants to create a digital 3D model of a medical or dental item that an astronaut could use on a three-year mission to Mars.

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4WEB publicizes First Surgeries performed with Posterior Spine Truss System

4WEB publicizes First Surgeries performed with Posterior Spine Truss System

The Texas-Based company, 4WEB Medical earlier received the FDA clearance for the four implant systems using patented truss technology and now, they have announced the first surgeries performed using Curved Posterior Spine Truss System (PSTS) for TLIF procedures in U.S. The key feature noted by the orthopedics using this implant is the truss structure that that strengthens and reinforces the capabilities of orthopedic implants.

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Plum Alley Investment grants funds to Epibone

 Plum Alley Investment grants funds to Epibone

Dr. Nina Tandon, CEO of Epibne has started bioprinting human bones using CT scan and 3D model of it, which is then CNC milled with animal bone, following which, fat cells from patient are integrated with CNC milled animal bone. Plum Alley Investments, a private membership started by Deborah Jackson and Andrea Turner Moffit to support promising female entrepreneurs and gender-diverse teams, has announced funds of $560,000 to Epibone to support this 3D Printing initiative which will reduce the need for multiple surgeries.

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Osteopore International acquires 2016’s Entrepreneurial Company of Year Award

Osteopore International acquires 2016s Entrepreneurial Company of Year Award

This year’s 3D Scaffolds Entrepreneurial Company of the Year Award in the Transformational Healthcare category have been grabbed by Singapore-based company at the Frost & Sullivan Singapore Excellence Awards. Osteopore International for their innovation in 3D Printed Scaffolding that deals with healing of tissue within the human body as well as regeneration. Set up in 1999, Osteopore has been pioneering methods of 3D Printing to provide range of innovations as well as customer satisfaction.

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Xplorer 3D provides 3D Printed Prosthetic to Pakistani Kid

Xplorer 3D provides 3D Printed Prosthetic to Pakistani Kid

Shayaan, a 9-year old from Pakistan was born with Dysmelia, a rare disorder in which limbs do not form properly and hence had no arms. Her mother, Fadia Haroon reached out to Xplorer 3D, first 3D printer manufacturer from Pakistan and the CEO of the company, Tayyab Alam prepared a custom 3D Printed Prosthetic Device for him featuring custom attachments that are lightweight and adjustable and helps with tools such as pen, comb, touch devices, etc.

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HyperElastic Bone ready for the Breakthroughs

HyperElastic Bone ready for the Breakthroughs

Researchers team led by Ramille Shah at Northwestern University, Illinois, have made progress towards a new type of bone called as the HyperElastic Bone which will be a breakthrough in modern medicine. Using bioactive hydroxyapatite, different biomaterials and EnvisionTEC 3D-Bioplotter System for 3D Printing, this new bone will provide extreme benefits to surgeons.

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iMakr Med releases Bioprinter to revolutionize Medical 3D Printing

 iMakr Med releases Bioprinter to revolutionize Medical 3D Printing

The South Korean company, iMakr Med Platform, recently revealed their new 3D Printer called the Rokit Invivo Hybrid Bio 3D Printer, which is set to be sold at $34,000 USD and functions as the first hybrid modular bioprinter. The printer contains Invivo gel that helps constructing 3D tissue scaffolds which can be used for potential transplantation.

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Hear and Say Campaign seeks Crowdfunding after no support from Australian Govt.

Hear and Say Campaign seeks Crowdfunding after no support from Australian Govt

Australian researchers from Queensland University of Technology and Brisbane-based Hear and Say Centre are working on FutureHear Project which aims to create 3D printed prosthetic ears for children suffering from microtia, a condition with underdeveloped/missing ears. After failing to receive any help from government, they have now headed to Pozible Crowdfunding campaign for raising around $200,000.

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Create O&P launches flexible 3D Printing System

Create OP launches flexible 3D Printing System

Lake Placid, New-York based Create Orthotics and Prosthetics is launching integrated medical grade 3D Printing system which allows clinical practitioners to design 3D Printed devices in their own clinics. Currently allowing eight unique devices, the cost has been reduced by 65% and works with Flexy Fit prosthetics filament for light weight devices.

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UNYQ and Bitonti collborate to unveil Scoliosis Brace

UNYQ and Bitonti collborate to unveil Scoliosis Brace

UNYQ has announced their 3D Printed Scoliosis Device at White House Event hostel by he White House Office of Public Engagement and Office of Science and Technology Policy in collaboration between the personalized orthotics and prosthetics manufacturer and Studio Bitonti. The device is only 3.5mm thick, breathable, and lightweight and was modeled at the event by Grace Mosier, a 15-year-old girl with scoliosis.

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Stratasys provides Back Brace to Paralympian

 Stratasys provides Back Brace to Paralympian

Polina Rožkova, a Latvian wheelchair fencer required better back braces for competing in 2016 Paralympics for which she approached Baltic3D and Stratasys. With data printed on WiDE software and Nylon 12 3D printing material used, the brace was finally printed on Stratasys Fortus 450mc Production 3D Printer which provided easy movement and sweating relief during exertion.

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Students pioneer Scaffold-Free Bioprinting with Hacked Ultimaker

Students pioneer Scaffold Free Bioprinting with Hacked Ultimaker

Students at Ludwig-Maximilian University of Munich and the Technical University of Munich formed up a team called Team BiotINK and have discovered a way of 3d printing without going through scaffold formation. Using ultimaker 2+ 3d printer and biotink with streptavidin, the 3d printing can now be done without scaffolds and hence reducing the cost of 3d printing.

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Athletes gear up for Rio Olympics with 3D Printing

Athletes gear up for Rio Olympics with 3D Printing

Veronica Yoko Plebani, an Italian athlete who suffered impairments to both hands and feet due to bacterial meningitis, is now ready to hit Rio Olympics 2016 with the help of 3D Printing. Marco Avaro, a Biomedical Engineer and part of the WASPmedical team 3D printed the perfect braces for Veronica to hit up the canoeing.

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Landmark Hearing Aid via 3D Printing and Earlens Corp

Landmark Hearing Aid via 3D Printing and Earlens Corp

California-based Earlens Corporation have introduced a newer variety of hearing aid that uses light to enhance hearing. Similar to contact lens, the lens attaches to eardrum through surface tension. The device consists of three parts: a light tip, a custom-fitted lens and a photon processor which transmits sound waves to the light tip, which converts the sound into non-visible light.

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