【3D Printing in Medicine】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 experience to real-world medical environments, 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 3D printers opened new opportunities for collaboration between students and clinicians, also bringing 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 delves into various medical and educational applications, from ENT surgery to high-risk obstetrics, cardiology, ultrasound training, orthopedics, and radiology. Initially, they used the single-extruder system of the Ultimaker 2+ Extended; later, they discovered that the dual-extruder Ultimaker 3 could use PVA water-soluble support, making the final products more precise and faster. Subsequently, the Ultimaker S5 was added. As of now, they own 14 Ultimaker 3D printers, with the Ultimaker S5 accelerating the speed and efficiency of surgical model production.
（Further reading: Recruiting 50 Super Teammates! Working Non-stop to Meet Deadlines!）
These 3D printed anatomical models not only aid in learning anatomy and medical data, segmenting parts, and mastering the 3D printing process, but most importantly, offer benefits for clinical trials. Improving laboratory workflow can gain more time for surgeons preparing for operations. "We take images from patients' scans and then convert them into 3D printed models within minutes. Through 3D printers, we can deliver the models to surgeons in just one day," says Dr. Robert.
（The image shows Dr. Robert using an Ultimaker S5 to print a model of an affected area in the lab.）
Surgeons can simulate potential situations through these physical models, providing better handling for pre-operative planning; this is crucial for complex and high-risk cases, as it can clearly indicate the positions of tissues and bones that are difficult to visualize in 2D scans.
Planning Complex Surgeries with 3D Printed Models
One case involved a complex C-section where they needed a 3D printed model to accurately study the patient's uterine vasculature to understand fibroids that needed to be avoided before incision, ensuring minimal blood loss and risk for the patient.
Dr. Amy Mackey, Associate Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the institution, points out that these models 3D printed with Ultimaker are particularly useful for patient education. "When patients see these models, they are often awestruck and ask many questions, which helps them understand the complexity of their case. These models truly help them grasp physical concepts and facilitate smoother communication."
The institution's radiology department also finds 3D printed models very practical, especially when working with students and residents. "As a radiologist exposed to many new technologies, I am truly excited to show 3D printing to colleagues, students, and residents, because many people don't realize this incredible tool is within reach," emphasizes Dr. Philip Lim, Director of Radiology.
（The image shows a 3D printed model assisting in an operating room.）
Dr. Philip states 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 Solves Real-World Challenges
Ultimaker 3D printers provide valuable services to 16 systems within Jefferson Health, offering mobility and saving time during the most critical phases of patient care. With four Ultimaker S5 3D printers in the lab, healthcare can save time, reduce assembly and post-processing, and easily print large, complete anatomical models.
（The image shows a student 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. The range of medical applications at Jefferson Health demonstrates how Ultimaker 3D printers can be integrated into a health design lab. Dr. 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. As mentioned in previously shared articles, medical-specific software is also integrated with Ultimaker; (Further reading: Ultimaker and 3D Anatomical Software, Creating a New Era in 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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