Modern Medicine-3D Printing

This is a makers room. This is the first hospital to ever have one. Maker's rooms are equipped with all sorts of tools and 3D printers to make small tools that are too specific to purchase from the market.

This is a small bracelet that was created for a patient who'd lost control of his fingers. It was a tool to put on his wrist to allow him to do everyday activities.

By modifying simple tools with hexagon shaped magnets, the patient is able to use things like a fork and spoon.

We even modified the sinks in his room, so he could turn water facets off and on.

It can even be used to make 3D print out of MRI scans prior to complicated surgeries. This is a cervical spine that has a cancerous mass very close to the spinal cord (on the back side). This tool was made for the surgeon to get a better representation of the patient's condition.

This technology has even been used for teaching purposes. This is the West Nile virus created to help understand the structure.

There are a variety of tools created to help improve patient's living conditions.

The blue hand behind the cup: This is a mechanical hand that can grab objects by bending the wrist.

The red "weblike" structure on the right: This is an IV guard. Pediatric patients would itch at their IV site and cause issues, so guards were made to go over them. You'll notice the West Nile virus next to it. The blue one is Ebola.

The red thing in the back: This is a print out of arteries. Used for teaching.

The blue circular based stand: That is a bacteria culture holder. It is equipped with a small camera to get live video of bacteria cultures as they grow.

The 3D printer is running 24/7 to help improve patient's lives. Any member of the hospital is allowed to come to this room and pitch ideas that can be used to improve patient care. 100s of small gadgets have been made that otherwise were too specific to be found on the market or flat out too expensive to custom order.

This is personalized medicine, and it's awesome.