Helen Xun1, Scott Clarke2, Nusaiba Baker3, Christopher Shallal4, Erica Lee1, Darya Fadavi1, Alison Wong1, Gerald Brandacher1, Sung Hoon Kang5, Justin M Sacks6. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. 2. Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. 3. Medical Scientist Training Program, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA. 4. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. 5. Department of Mechanical Engineering and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. 6. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO. Electronic address: jmsacks@wustl.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physicians are at the forefront of identifying innovative targets to address current medical needs. 3D printing technology has emerged as a state-of-the-art method of prototyping medical devices or producing patient-specific models that is more cost-efficient, with faster turnaround time, in comparison to traditional prototype manufacturing. However, initiating 3D printing projects can be daunting due to the engineering learning curve, including the number of methodologies, variables, and techniques for printing from which to choose. To help address these challenges, we sought to create a guide for physicians interested in venturing into 3D printing. STUDY DESIGN: All commercially available, plug-and-play, material and stereolithography printers costing less than $15,000 were identified via web search. Companies were contacted to obtain quotes and information sheets for all printer models. The qualifying printers' manufacturer specification sheets were reviewed, and pertinent variables were extracted. RESULTS: We reviewed 309 commercially available printers and materials and identified 118 printers appropriate for clinicians desiring plug-and-play models for accelerated device production. We synthesized this information into a decision-making tool to choose the appropriate parameters based on project goals. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing clinical need for medical devices to reduce costs of care and increase access to personalized treatments; however, the learning curve may be daunting for surgeons. In this review paper, we introduce the "3Ms of 3D printing" for medical professionals and provide tools and data sheets for selection of commercially available, affordable, plug-and-play 3D printers appropriate for surgeons interested in innovation.
BACKGROUND: Physicians are at the forefront of identifying innovative targets to address current medical needs. 3D printing technology has emerged as a state-of-the-art method of prototyping medical devices or producing patient-specific models that is more cost-efficient, with faster turnaround time, in comparison to traditional prototype manufacturing. However, initiating 3D printing projects can be daunting due to the engineering learning curve, including the number of methodologies, variables, and techniques for printing from which to choose. To help address these challenges, we sought to create a guide for physicians interested in venturing into 3D printing. STUDY DESIGN: All commercially available, plug-and-play, material and stereolithography printers costing less than $15,000 were identified via web search. Companies were contacted to obtain quotes and information sheets for all printer models. The qualifying printers' manufacturer specification sheets were reviewed, and pertinent variables were extracted. RESULTS: We reviewed 309 commercially available printers and materials and identified 118 printers appropriate for clinicians desiring plug-and-play models for accelerated device production. We synthesized this information into a decision-making tool to choose the appropriate parameters based on project goals. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing clinical need for medical devices to reduce costs of care and increase access to personalized treatments; however, the learning curve may be daunting for surgeons. In this review paper, we introduce the "3Ms of 3D printing" for medical professionals and provide tools and data sheets for selection of commercially available, affordable, plug-and-play 3D printers appropriate for surgeons interested in innovation.
Authors: Helen Xun; Christopher Shallal; Justin Unger; Runhan Tao; Alberto Torres; Michael Vladimirov; Jenna Frye; Mohit Singhala; Brockett Horne; Bo Soo Kim; Broc Burke; Michael Montana; Michael Talcott; Bradford Winters; Margaret Frisella; Bradley S Kushner; Justin M Sacks; James K Guest; Sung Hoon Kang; Julie Caffrey Journal: 3D Print Med Date: 2022-09-14