Modern surgery has among its main objectives that of minimizing the invasiveness of interventions. A new ultrasound-based 3D printing technology could be a key in this direction: no more invasive surgery, but implants printed directly inside the human body.
3D printing meets (once again) medicine
Medicine and technology have always been intertwined to improve the quality and efficiency of medical care. 3D printing has also been warming up engines for some time (I'm thinking of printing of whole organs: of muscles), but with these latest developments it could enter the operating room in ways that were unimaginable until recently.
All thanks to the scientists of dukeuniversity and Harvard Medical School, who presented an ultrasound-based 3D printing technique capable of revolutionizing surgical procedures. I'll link you here the research published in Science, then I will summarize it for you: if you want, you can find out more there.
Beyond the limits of traditional 3D printing
Classic 3D printing, which is based on the deposition of successive layers of material, faces significant limitations when it comes to medical applications, especially when it comes to internal interventions.
The new approach, called deep penetration acoustic volumetric printing (the English acronym is DVAP), overcomes these obstacles by using a biocompatible sonic “ink,” known as sono-ink. This ink heats and solidifies when it absorbs pulses of ultrasound, allowing the creation of three-dimensional structures within the body.
Practically? The idea of injecting liquid ink into the body and then solidifying it into implant form might seem like science fiction, but it has solid scientific basis. Once injected into the desired area, the ink can be exposed to deep-penetrating ultrasonic waves. The result? The formation of solid implants in the desired shape and location, without the need for invasive surgery.
Implants printed directly into the body: versatile and customized applications
The versatility of sono-ink allows this technology to be adapted to a wide range of medical applications. It can be formulated to be durable or biodegradable and to mimic various types of biological tissue. Laboratory tests have already demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology in several situations, including the repair of bone defects and the delivery of chemotherapy drugs through printed hydrogels.
This technology not only reduces the invasiveness and risks associated with surgical interventions but also paves the way for personalized and targeted treatments. The ability to print medical implants and instruments directly inside the human body is a qualitative leap in the precision and effectiveness of medical care – its potential to improve patients' quality of life is immense.
We will keep an eye on developments, stay tuned!
