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This literature review discusses the benefits and challenges of 3D printing in health care and nurse informaticians' pivotal role in this emerging technology. The article also covers the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, security, improved patient outcomes, and addressing regulatory barriers.
Keywords: three-dimensional, 3D printing, 3D imaging, 3D modeling, informatics nursing, printing, patient outcomes, technology
Additive manufacturing, also known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a promising and versatile field that has experienced rapid medical development over the last decade. As an alternative to visualizing anatomy through traditional medical imaging techniques, 3D models enable the translation of two-dimensional images into accurate and comprehensive virtual or physical models (Anagnostopoulos et al., 2022). These techniques are currently being used across several clinical settings, including surgery, education, medical device development, pharmaceutical development, tissue engineering, and research (Baig et al., 2023).
Background
Three-dimensional printing involves a series of technical steps, including selecting the target anatomical area and converting computerized tomography (CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan data into a 3D digital model. When used for organ modeling, the resulting digital file, usually a DICOM® (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) file, is optimized for physical printing and prepared for a specific 3D printer and material of choice (Ganapathy et al., 2022). Subsequently, the digital model is sliced into cross-sections, serving as a blueprint for the 3D printer to construct the object layer by layer using the appropriate materials. As seen in Figure 1, this process can create patient-specific models with exceptional structural accuracy (Aimar et al., 2019; Bastawrous et al., 2022).
Integrating 3D printing in health care also holds tremendous potential for enhancing surgical skills and transforming the healthcare team-patient relationship. This technology also empowers providers by providing a comprehensive understanding of diseases, enabling the design of patient-specific implants and surgical tools, and optimizing operative processes and associated costs (Jacob et al., 2023). It even facilitates a detailed exploration of anatomical structures, empowers medical professionals to refine interventions, and improves procedural precision. Moreover, the availability of diverse printing techniques and materials further enhances the ability to replicate patient anatomy accurately (Kermavnar et al., 2021).
As the field continues to progress, advancements in printing techniques and materials will play a crucial role in achieving even greater anatomical fidelity and functional...