Where we are

Bioprinting human tissue has evolved to 3D printing of human body parts. Doctors are practicing surgeries on printed replicas of human organs, while radiotherapists are enacting cancer treatments on printed heads made from material that reacts to radiation rays like human tissue.

Where we’re going

If 3D organ printing can jump through government hoops, it may become routine for surgeons to prepare for complicated surgeries like emergency transplants and tumor removals using exact replicas of patient organs. Additionally organ shortages may be a thing of the past.

How to think about it

If we can print something as delicate and complex as a human heart, surely solutions to many non-human systems can be found. As more material innovations emerge and costs come down, consider how printed versions of costly or complex items could impact your industry.

Signals

3d-printed Replica Heads Are Being Used To Help Treat Cancer Patients

3d Bioprinting Breakthrough Leads To Full-scale, Functioning Heart Parts

Prepping For Surgery With 3d-printed Organs May Become Commonplace