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An astounding advancement has been made by doctors. A recent paper published in Science explains how a group of doctors has successfully produced an extraordinary ink that allows for 3D printing inside of the human body. This achievement could enable us to directly 3D print biomedical devices in the body.
The breakthrough is impressive, as it could open up a world of medical applications. Possibilities include fixing fractured bones, preventing organ leaks, and many more. This innovation builds upon past developments of photosensitive ink that solidifies when exposed to light.
However, considering light can only permeate the human body to a certain extent, the doctors opted to use ultrasound sound waves to activate the ink instead. This method, known as “deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing” (DVAP), will enable the direct 3D printing of biomedical devices at the very location they’re required.
“Ultrasound waves can penetrate more than 100 times deeper than light while still spatially confined, so we can reach tissues, bones and organs with high spatial precision that haven’t been reachable with light-based printing methods,” the researchers explained in a statement.
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Medical advancements like this can open tons of new doors for how doctors treat specific issues. Being able to 3D print biomedical devices directly in the human body will also allow for less intrusive surgery options, depending on the situation.
The bio ink relies on targeted application. Once it reaches its target, though, it is activated by ultrasound waves, allowing to harden into the pattern and shape that the doctors have designed. There is no information on when 3D printing biomedical devices will be widely available.
Still, this kind of development is astounding and offers an exciting look at how the medical field is advancing. In the past, we’ve also seen scientists and engineers creating magnetically-controlled pill cams that can be driven through the body where they need to go.
Josh Hawkins has been writing for over a decade, covering science, gaming, and tech culture. He also is a top-rated product reviewer with experience in extensively researched product comparisons, headphones, and gaming devices.
Whenever he isn’t busy writing about tech or gadgets, he can usually be found enjoying a new world in a video game, or tinkering with something on his computer.
“Why did the 3D printer go to therapy? Because it had too many layers of unresolved issues!”
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