3D printing technology is making leaps and bounds in a variety of industry, the latest miracle creation involving a 3D printed skull. It was created for a 22 year old woman who suffered from a chronic bone disorder that increased the thickness of her skull from 1.5cm to 5cm, causing reduced eyesight and severe headaches. Wired writes, "Major surgery was inevitable, but prior to the 3D printing technique, there was no ideal effective treatment."
A team of surgeons, led by Dr. Bon Verweij, performed a 23 hour surgery at the University Medical Centre Utrecht to implant the 3D printed skull. It was a success. The university claims this is this first instance of such a procedure that has not been rejected by the patient. She has since returned to work.
3D Printed Skulls
Dr. Bon Verweij Successfully Implanted a Tech-Made Cranium in the Netherlands
Trend Themes
1. Medical 3D Printing - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to invest in developing 3D printing technology for medical use, such as creating organ replacements and custom implants.
2. Personalized Healthcare - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for healthcare companies to offer personalized and customized healthcare solutions using 3D printing technology.
3. Bioprinting - There is a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies to invest in bioprinting technology that could produce living tissues and organs, which can be used for transplantation purposes.
Industry Implications
1. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can invest in 3D printing technology to produce customized solutions to improve patient outcomes.
2. Medical Devices - The medical devices industry can develop customized 3D printed implants, prosthetics, and surgical tools to improve patient care.
3. Biotechnology - The biotechnology industry can invest in bioprinting technology to produce living tissues and organs, which can support drug discovery and transplantation purposes.