3D printing is one of the fastest growing modern technologies that promises application over a wide range of industries but one significant one is healthcare. Companies such as General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) are jumping on board.
The technology has become increasingly important in healthcare especially in advancing beyond limitations in planning surgery as well as drug creation. This has created a lot of opportunities that have attracted more companies such as General Electric (GE) to venture into the space.
Just a year ago, doctors used 3D technology map a rare tumor located in the pelvis of an 11-year-old girl and the surgery was a success. If it were not for 3D technology, surgeons would have been forced to amputate one of the girl’s legs because the tumor would have compromised her hip socket.
The surgery was carried out at that the Mayo clinic and doctors first created a life size 3D model of the girl’s pelvis. The 3D model also depicted her bladder, ureters, blood vessels, veins and the tumor. The doctors at the hospital used this model to come up with a surgical strategy through which they would safely remove the tumor without having to amputate her leg.
“There is nothing like holding a 3-D model to understand a complicated anatomical procedure,” said Dr. Peter Rose, the doctor in charge of the surgery on the 11-year-old-girl.
Dr. Rose stated that the 3D model played a key part in helping the doctors understand how the tumor had altered the girl’s anatomy and thus putting them in a better position to know how to cut around it. The 3D model of the pelvis was also one of the 500 3D printed items that were made at Mayo Clinic in 2016.
Various research institutions have also invested in setting up printing labs within their premises in partnership with companies that make 3D printers. Major companies such as General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) have also started to invest in 3D printing technology. This is because there is a lot of opportunities and untapped use to be derived from the technology. The application of 3D printing technology in the health sector highlights the groundbreaking nature and value that the technology offers. This also applies to other industries such as the education, industrial and artistic design.
GE stock closed the latest trading session on Wednesday at $24.11.
