【Medical 3D Printing】Humanizing Clinical Education, A New Driver for Doctor-Patient Relationships!
Thomas Jefferson University and Hospitals in Philadelphia possess advanced healthcare technology. To provide students with a closer look at the real medical environment, Dr. Robert Pugliese and Dr. Bon Ku integrated 3D printing equipment into the institution's Health Design Lab.
After evaluating the quality of 3D printers, they chose to use Ultimaker. To foster students' creativity and problem-solving skills, Ultimaker's 3D printers opened up new opportunities for collaboration between students and clinicians, and brought forth more possibilities for innovative education. In this lab, students and radiologists jointly produce precise anatomical models, giving students the chance to participate in ongoing treatment cases.
The lab deeply researches various medical and educational applications, from ENT surgery to high-risk obstetrics, cardiology, ultrasound training, orthopedics, and radiology. Initially, they used the single nozzle system of the Ultimaker 2+ Extended; later, they discovered that the dual-extrusion Ultimaker 3 could use PVA water-soluble support material, making prints more precise and faster, followed by the addition of the Ultimaker S5. As of now, they have 14 Ultimaker 3D printers, with the Ultimaker S5 accelerating the speed and efficiency of surgical model production.
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These 3D printed anatomical models are not only helpful for learning anatomy and medical data, segmenting parts, and mastering the 3D printing process, but most importantly, for their benefits in clinical experiments. Improving lab workflow provides surgeons with more time to prepare for operations. "We take images from patient scans, then convert them into 3D printable models within minutes. Through a 3D printer, we can deliver the models to surgeons in as little as one day," says Dr. Robert Pugliese.
(Pictured: Dr. Robert using the Ultimaker S5 in the lab to print models of affected areas.)
Surgeons can simulate potential situations using these physical models, providing better approaches for pre-operative planning. This is crucial for complex and high-risk cases, as it can clearly indicate tissue and bone positions that are difficult to visualize in 2D scans.
Planning complex surgeries with 3D printed models
One case involved a complex cesarean section, where they needed a 3D printed model to precisely study the patient's uterine vascular system to understand which fibroids to avoid before incision, ensuring the patient's blood loss and risks were minimized.
Dr. Amy Mackey, Associate Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the institution, points out that these 3D printed models using Ultimaker are also particularly useful for patient education. "When patients see these models, they are stunned and ask many questions, which helps them understand the complexity of the case. These models really help them grasp concrete concepts, making communication smoother."
The institution's radiology department also finds 3D printed models very practical, especially when working with students and residents. "As a radiologist who encounters many new technologies, I am truly excited to show 3D printing to colleagues, students, and residents, because many people don't know that this incredible tool is within reach," emphasized Dr. Philip Lim, Director of Radiology.
(Pictured: A 3D printed model assisting in the operating room.)
Dr. Philip stated that handling 3D printed models allows students to gain a deeper understanding of anatomical structures and how patients undergo surgery. It brings understanding and confidence to patients, demonstrating that their doctors are making every effort to better understand these complex cases before surgery.
Ultimaker S5 addresses practical challenges
Ultimaker 3D printers provide valuable services to 16 systems within Jefferson Health, offering maneuverability and saving time at the most critical stages of patient care. Through the four Ultimaker S5 3D printers in the lab, medical professionals can save time, reduce assembly and post-processing, and easily print large, complete anatomical models.
(Pictured: Students viewing a 3D printed model in the lab.)
As 3D printing becomes increasingly popular in hospitals, it will continue to benefit students, residents, and doctors in their future clinical careers. Jefferson Health's range of medical applications demonstrates how Ultimaker 3D printers can be integrated into the Health Design Lab. Dr. Bon Ku confirms, "3D printing is simple, economical, efficient, and inspires my team to try new things. We chose the Ultimaker S5 because it is reliable and easy to use, and we hope to add more Ultimaker 3D printers to the lab in the future."
The application of Ultimaker 3D printers in the medical field is expanding. Previous articles have also mentioned that medical-specific software is integrated with Ultimaker (Read more: Ultimaker and 3D Anatomical Software, ushering in a new era of clinical medicine!). We believe that the development of 3D printing technology in various fields will lead humanity towards a better future. (Original link)
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