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Current applications of three‐dimensional printing in urology
Author(s) -
Chen Michael Y.,
Skewes Jacob,
Desselle Mathilde,
Wong Cynthia,
Woodruff Maria A.,
Dasgupta Prokar,
Rukin Nicholas J.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/bju.14928
Subject(s) - 3d printing , three dimensional printing , biocompatible material , computer science , medicine , biomedical engineering , engineering , mechanical engineering
Three‐dimensional (3D) printing or additive manufacturing is a new technology that has seen rapid development in recent years with decreasing costs. 3D printing allows the creation of customised, finely detailed constructs. Technological improvements, increased printer availability, decreasing costs, improved cell culture techniques, and biomaterials have enabled complex, novel and individualised medical treatments to be developed. Although the long‐term goal of printing biocompatible organs has not yet been achieved, major advances have been made utilising 3D printing in biomedical engineering. In this literature review, we discuss the role of 3D printing in relation to urological surgery. We highlight the common printing methods employed and show examples of clinical urological uses. Currently, 3D printing can be used in urology for education of trainees and patients, surgical planning, creation of urological equipment, and bioprinting. In this review, we summarise the current applications of 3D‐printing technology in these areas of urology.