Researchers Develop New Method of 3D Printing Heart Models

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Heart specialists at Spectrum Health, a consortium of 12 non-profit hospitals in West Michigan

announced they’ve successfully 3D printed the first model of a heart that utilizes multiple imaging techniques in a single, detailed print. 

The hybrid 3D heart model is much more detailed compared to the traditional heart models created with standard imaging techniques. The 3D heart model designed by Spectrum Heath, one of the leading healthcare providers in the U.S is set to be used by hospitals nationwide.

Spectrum Health designed a new method of creating 3D scans and prints of human hearts. The consortium implemented a  hybrid process that is combination of CT and MRI scanning and a ultrasound process called 3D echocardiography. By incorporating these three technologies, Spectrum Health was able to design the world’s first detailed 3D printed heart model that can be used in hospitals.

Lead author of the proof-of-concept study and cardiac sonographer Jordan Gosnell explained to MLive.com, “Hybrid 3D printing integrates the best aspects of two or more imaging modalities, which can potentially enhance diagnosis, as well as interventional and surgical planning. Previous methods of 3D printing utilize only one imaging modality, which may not be as accurate as merging two or more datasets.”

All of the different imaging techniques used in the innovative process designed by Spectrum Health enables doctors to create extremely detailed model of the patient’s heart. Such feature would allow doctors to plan surgeries and other minimal surgical processes accurately, raising the probability of success of a heart surgery.

To create a fully customized 3D scan and print of a patient’s heart, doctors first must scan the exterior anatomy of the heart with a CT scanner. Then, conceptualize the interior of the heart with a MRI scanner, and finally 3d print the model of a human heart through a process called 3D transesophageal echocardiography.

Information Credit -  Joseph Young

New in Store – Ultimaker 2 Go & Extended

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Along with our recent announcement of the Ultimaker 2, we are now stocking the Ultimaker 2 Go and Extended. Meaning that whatever your needs are, we can accommodate them with Ultimaker.

Only recently did Ultimaker announce the 2 sister models for the classic Ultimaker 2. Named the Ultimaker 2 Go and Extended, they aim to fill the gaps left by the original model – namely affordable portable 3D printing, and large printing for design or industrial purposes.

The Ultimaker 2 Extended is the perfect choice for businesses or designers looking for the highest quality possible and a huge build size. The Extended has massive 30cm of vertical printing space, whilst maintaining the 20 micron layer height of the Ultimaker 2. Like the other models, the Extended uses a Bowden extruder system, which means the printer is capable of extremely high print speeds with minimal effect on quality.

The Ultimaker 2 Go is the perfect option for makers who want to enter the world of 3D printing with a low investment, but the high quality you expect from Ultimaker. This model has a smaller build volume of 12 x 12 x 11.5 (cm), and also uses a Bowden extruder. It also comes packed in a re-usable carry case, making it very easy to transport.

There are only 2 main differences between these printers – size is the obvious one, but the other main difference is that the Ultimaker 2 Go does not have a heated build plate.  The aim of this is to decrease the time it takes to begin printing, lower the weight/increase portability, and of course, lower costs. The downside is that this reduces the versatility of the printer slightly – ABS and several other materials require a heated build plate to print optimally. However, the Ultimaker 2 Go is still capable of beautiful PLA prints.

Information Credit - Marcus Rockcliffe

Chinese Girl Receives World’s First 3D Printed Skull

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A three-year-old Chinese girl made medical history on July 15, 2015 when she became the first-ever recipient of a 3D printed skull.

‘Big head baby’ Han Han had a rare condition which made her head grow up to four times the normal size. Congenital hydrocephalus is a birth defect that causes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to build up on the brain instead if draining away naturally and absorbed into the blood vessels. Han Han was diagnosed with the disease on her sixth month which caused her skull to grow up to 20cm x 20cm in size.

In addition, she developed other conditions ulcer and her optic nerve was squeezed so hard that it almost drove to become blind. Because of the size of head and her other health problems, Han Han became bedridden.

Doctors at the Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province in China quoted to Han Han’s father, Chen Youzhi, that the operation would cost him between 400,000-500,000 Yuan (approximately $64,000-$80,000). With the help of family and friends, they were able to raise 100,000 Yuan, but through online donations, the operation pushed through.

On July 15, surgeons at the hospital performed a 17-hour operation on Han Han. Dr. Bo, chief surgeon during the operation, says that “if she was not sent to hospital for treatment, she would not have survived the summer. We had to first eliminate the infection in Han Han’s head because the brain wound area was too large, and we needed to do skin graft surgery and insert a shunt to help eliminate the infection, and remove the fluid from her brain.”

Upon seeing Han Han, surgeons at the hospital decided to perform a “whole brain shrinking plastic surgery.” It involves the removal of her scalp, full 3D reconstruction and 3D printing of a new titanium skull, repositioning of the brain, and removal of the excess CSF fluid.

To the relief of her family, the operation was a success. As she grows up, the titanium implants will become surrounded by her bone, strengthening the top of her skull. The surgeons expect that the she will make a full recovery.

Information Credit : Jonathan Lawton

5 Amazing Gadgets Made By a 3D-Printer

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3D printing technology is amazing, there’s no question about it. The medical field is using it to print organs and prosthetics, geeks are using the tech to print models and life-size replicas, contractors are using it to print prefabricated resources, and the list goes on. There are even 3D-printed weapons like the Liberator, which understandably is being regulated by the authorities, but that’s another argument entirely.

There are so many awesome things you can print, provided you have the right designs and materials. We thought it would be a great idea to take a look at some interesting gadgets that have been created with 3D-printed materials.

1. 3D-printed camera

This 3D-printed camera can be created by anyone with the materials and equipment. The guide is provided at Instructables, and it’s an open-source project.

It’s a traditional analog camera – 35mm – complete with a working viewfinder and finger-operated shutter. The only thing that’s not printed is the photographic lens, which you’ll need to purchase separately and install using the custom printed mount ring.

If you’re good with design software, you can even make some modifications to the existing design. Perhaps, what’s most exciting about this is that eventually we may see 3D-printed digital cameras crop up. The software can certainly be developed if and when necessary, right along with the internal components needed.

What do you think? Would you be excited to print your own digital camera? For now, we’ll just have to settle with this one.

2. Acoustic guitar

Scott Summit – an avid 3D printer known for his work with prosthetics – decided to shake things up a bit and printed an acoustic guitar. His first guitar was printed with nylon powder, which enhances the appearance, giving it a ceramic-like finish.

He originally thought that the guitar would not work, because all the parts are being printed out of plastic including the sound hole cover and heel joint, which are usually metal. However, the headstock is comprised of sterling silver and the neck plate is stainless steel – 3D-printed, of course.

It cost him about $3,000 to print the guitar as you see in the image above.

In the future, he wants to offer enhanced designs that allow folks to customize the sound of the device they print. For example, those looking to print a guitar of their own could select from one that offers better bass or treble.

3. 3D-printed lawnmower

South African engineer Hans Fouche actually has a bunch of experience building neat gadgets with a 3D printer. He created a large scale printer in his garage, which he has nicknamed the Cheetah. He’s used that to create things like furniture, a vacuum cleaner, and this next gadget we’re going to talk about: a 3D-printed lawnmower.

Everything on Fouche’s lawnmower was 3D-printed save for the motor, which was borrowed from an old mower. That means components like the wheels, handle and safety switch, blade, and wheel shafts were all printed. In total, it took Fouche 9 hours to print all the pieces.

It works great, and because of Fouche’s custom 3D printer that works faster than most, he had the gadget done in a relatively short period. In addition, since the lawnmower only required 5.6 kg of material, it cost Fouche a mere 162 Rand or $13.83 in USD.

4. SULSA Drone

Researchers from Southampton University have created a 3D-printed drone, or unmanned aerial vehicle, called SULSA, which stands for Southampton University Laser Sintered Aircraft.

Nearly all the components are printed with plastic except for the electronics, and this thing can be assembled in about 10 minutes. In addition, because the drone is made of plastic, it’s silent while flying. There are five separate aerodynamic parts that snap together to create the final device. Apparently, there are no screws or fasteners to hold the parts together, they just fit.

Wondering what other hardware is required? “In this case the entire parts list comprises just four structural parts, one avionics tray one motor/propeller, two batteries, four servos with their links, a receiver and an autopilot/aerial, i.e. in total 14 parts for an aircraft,” according to Southampton University.

When it’s soaring in the sky it can reach a top speed of 90 miles per hour, and it can stay afloat for about 30 minutes each time. Pretty amazing for the first drone created. Just imagine what 3D printing enthusiasts can get up to in a few years time.

5. Strati Car from Local Motors

Believe it or not, Local Motors created the world’s first 3D-printed car called the Strati. How did they come up with the design for such a thing? They hosted a competition and the best design submission was used for the final product.

The original model was printed in just 44 hours with a large scale 3D printer, and it was comprised of an ABS and carbon fiber composite material. It was actually printed – in full – at the 2014 International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago.

After the car was printed, it took three days to mill the materials and assemble them. It wasn’t taken for a test drive until September 13, 2014.

Local Motors will soon be printing a road-ready vehicle, and they plan to open up factories around the world to print these vehicles on a commercial level. Before you know it, we might all be driving around 3D-printed vehicles. Isn’t that something?

Take a look at the Strati though, it looks pretty slick, doesn’t it?

Information Credit : Briley Kenney