TECHNOLOGY
54 currently producing pre-operative ankle and spine models for the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt hospital in Oswestry to assist surgeons in developing their procedure strategy prior to the surgery . Indeed , pre-operative models are becoming especially popular because they support and improve the traditional manufacture of parts , rather than replace these . This , in itself , is particularly useful for research purposes – for example , 3D models of the brain are being created based on brain tumours , in order to find out more about how the latter works .
There ’ s a far greater diversification in technology and materials compared to six or seven years ago , and 3D printing will continue on this trajectory . It doesn ’ t seem so far away to envision machines in the near future that can be used for a particular medical solution , with a wider range of materials to choose from . Indeed , our study showed that already , 65 % of European healthcare providers are using new printing technologies to tailor printed materials to differing needs , including those of older and remote patients .
Before then , however , there needs to be considerable focus on how to incorporate 3D printing into our health
COMPANY FACTS
• 68 % of healthcare professionals believe new printing technologies have the potential to fundamentally transform the health sector
• 65 % of European healthcare providers are using new printing technologies to tailor printed materials to differing needs , including those of older and remote patients
• A study we undertook in partnership with Oxford Economics found that if the UK ’ s healthcare sector were to invest in the right technology , as well as workspace and culture , it could generate a GDP increase of £ 8.8bn
MARCH 2019