Breaking the Mold: 3D Printing Revolutionizes Radiotherapy Accessories
In a groundbreaking collaboration, 3D printer manufacturer 3D Systems has partnered with radiotherapy accessory manufacturer Klarity to expand the distribution of its innovative patient-specific 3D printed Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) Bolus radiotherapy solution. This partnership aims to revolutionize the field of radiotherapy by providing customized, FDA-cleared medical devices for cancer patients.
Launched last year, 3D Systems’ VSP Bolus offering allows clinicians to 3D print medical devices at personally tailored thicknesses, reducing air gaps between instruments and patients. This personalized approach ensures a more accurate delivery of radiation therapy, improving treatment outcomes for patients.
The VSP Bolus is the only solution on the market that offers a full design and production service based on the patient’s specific treatment plan. Now, this groundbreaking technology will be available as part of Klarity’s new patient-specific service-based line of 3D printed radiotherapy accessories called Klarity Prints. This partnership will enable radiotherapy clinicians to utilize 3D printing technology without the need for costly and time-consuming software.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with Klarity’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of care provided by our customers,” said Klarity CEO Peter Larson. “As a North American distributor of 3D Systems’ 3D-printed biocompatible bolus products, we will be at the forefront of advancing personalized care and improving the patient experience.”
Klarity’s strong reputation in the radiation oncology sector for delivering superior products and service makes them an ideal partner for 3D Systems. Menno Ellis, 3D Systems’ EVP of Healthcare Solutions, stated, “The company’s commitment to improving patient care through treatment personalization aligns with 3D Systems’ market-leading service model for delivering high-quality 3D-printed, patient-specific medical devices for over two decades.”
The VSP Bolus is designed to deliver 3D-printed, biocompatible, patient-specific boluses that improve therapy modulation. These boluses are required when cancerous cells are located around uneven parts of a patient’s body, such as the nose or ears. By controlling radiation dosages and compensating for missing tissue, the VSP Bolus allows for more precise treatment.
The Klarity Prints VSP Bolus accessories are 3D printed from a soft and biocompatible material that contours to the patient’s anatomy. The material not only reacts like real tissue when irradiated but also remains durable throughout the course of treatment. This ensures an improved treatment experience for both providers and patients.
The VSP Bolus workflow leverages patient treatment plans created by radiotherapy professionals to 3D print personalized accessories. Clinicians can now free themselves from time-consuming tasks, such as manipulating parts in specialized software and fabricating the accessories. With Klarity Prints, interested clinics can simply contact their Klarity Account Manager to order their patient-specific boluses, which will be delivered in just a few days.
This collaboration between 3D Systems and Klarity is just one example of how 3D printing is optimizing the production of radiotherapy devices. In 2021, researchers at North Carolina State University developed 3D printed radiation-receiving antennas worn by cancer patients during microwave breast hyperthermia procedures. These antennas, customized to meet patient-specific geometries, are more flexible and less bulky than conventional accessories, providing increased comfort during treatment.
In 2020, Adaptiiv Medical Technologies, a Canada-based software developer, secured funding to further develop its 3D modeling software for oncological devices. This software converts patients’ CT scans into digital 3D models that can be exported as STL files and 3D printed. The end result is a bolus that perfectly conforms to the patient’s anatomy, improving treatment accuracy and patient comfort.
The integration of 3D printing technology in the field of radiotherapy is revolutionizing the way medical devices are designed and produced. With the partnership between 3D Systems and Klarity, personalized care and improved treatment outcomes are within reach for cancer patients across the United States and Canada. As this technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovations that will enhance patient care and improve the overall radiotherapy experience.
Introducing the Amazing World of 3D Printing
If you’re a technology enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of 3D printing. It’s a groundbreaking technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we manufacture products. But what exactly is 3D printing and how does it work?
At its core, 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials on top of each other. Unlike traditional manufacturing, where materials are subtracted or molded, 3D printing builds objects layer by layer using digital models as a blueprint.
The possibilities of 3D printing are endless. From prototyping to production, this technology can be used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and even fashion. It has the potential to save time, reduce costs, and eliminate waste by producing complex and customized parts on-demand.
But where do you start if you’re interested in working in the additive manufacturing industry? Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you kickstart your career in 3D printing. Websites like 3D Printing Jobs offer a selection of available roles in the industry, making it easier for you to find the perfect job opportunity.
And if you’re eager to stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the 3D printing industry, subscribing to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter is a must. It’s a great way to access exclusive content, stay informed about new technologies, and discover innovative applications of 3D printing.
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To give you a glimpse of the incredible capabilities of 3D printing, take a look at the featured image of a 3D printed VSP Bolus face accessory. Doesn’t it look amazing? This rendering, created by 3D Systems, showcases how 3D printing can be used to produce intricate and detailed objects.
So, whether you’re a seasoned professional or a curious individual looking to explore the world of additive manufacturing, 3D printing offers endless possibilities and opportunities. Embrace this transformative technology and unlock a world of innovation!
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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