News & Events

The Scan: Body Parts - Made To Order!

Posted on: 11/11/2011

A technique that has long been used to produce engineering prototypes is now putting 3-dimensional versions of CT scans into doctors' hands. Called "rapid prototyping," or "3D printing" it makes a precise model of a patient's anatomy available to surgeons which vastly improves the planning of complex operations.

The major benefit of improved planning is usually a dramatic reduction of surgery time. That leads to a reduction of blood loss and, since surgery times become shorter, less need of anesthesia. The process also allows precise implants to be created before a single scalpel incision is made.

The models are produced on a 3D laser printer. But because the process can take up to several hours, it is not yet suitable for emergency procedures.

For more on this story and others like it, please read our fall edition of The Scan.