3d Printing as a medical tool

Back in September I purchased a new 3D printer, and I have been blown away by how useful it has been in my EMT studies.

A 3D printer is, for lack of a better explanation, a device that acts like an automatic glue gun. It heats plastic and extrudes it onto a base, and goes layer by layer until it has formed the shape of the thing it is creating.  Some people use 3D printers to create engineering prototypes, others use them to print car parts (such as replacement buttons and knobs for obscure console designs), and still others print miniatures, toys and other "fun" prints.

In addition to the options described above, there are several medical-related items that can be 3D printed.  From models of different parts of the human body to working intraosseous injection models, the uses for medical 3D printing are endless.  For the last few weeks I have been printing various tools to assist me in my class.  A couple examples of what I have created are below:


A stethoscope holder, designed to fit on 1.5" belts.  This one is currently being field tested by my instructor who is a paramedic, and depending on how well it performs, these may be available for sale in the school's store.


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This is a scale model of the human heart, split in half to allow for more detailed examination:


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