In medical health sector 3D printing has rapidly become more involved in the way patients are treated, and has improved the overall quality of healthcare services available. Reports and studies of printing eye cells, human ears, kidneys, and fully functioning breathing valves to 3D printers truly making their mark in the medial industry.
Scientists are now looking 3D printing to create a fully functioning human heart to help the many suffering from heart disease. The scientists undertaking this pioneering research are attempting to create new hearts for patients using the patient’s own unique cells with the possibility of a future transplant.
What an unhealthy heart looks like
This is an ambitious project and the research is still in its early stages of advancements. One could imagine the difficulty of creating and replicating the complexity of a human heart, and then scientists still need to make sure the body is willing to accept the heart and function properly.
It might be a few years though before we hear of a 3d printed heart being used in surgery operations around the world successfully.
A 3D printer is a lot like a normal printer, except rather than using an inkjet it uses filament or materials e.g. plastic, resin, and metal to shape and form through a pre-programmed design.
This is exciting times, both in medicine and manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing is being challenged by a new and more efficient contender. Is it possible we could be looking at a future where there are no long waiting lists for transplants? A future when patients that need immediate transplants could get one when they need it the most?
The technology of 3D printing continues to affect and influence multiple industries. Yes, this may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it is quickly becoming a new reality.
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Scientists Working to Create Human Heart through 3D Printing