Usage of 3D printers in medical education

Abstract

3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical representation of the surface of an object in three di­mensions
with specialized software. The product is called a 3D model. This model can be physically created us­ing 3D printing
devices. In 1981, Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute invented the methods for fabricating three-dimensional plastic models with photo-hardening thermoset polymer. In 1984, Chuck Hull from 3D Sys­tems
Corporation produced stereolithography fabrication system, in which layers were added by curing photo­polymers with
ultraviolet light lasers. The developments in 3D printing gathered attention of engineering fields. The open patents and
the use of cheap materials popularized it. It took place in education and production of cus­tom made prosthesis in medicine. 3D bio-printing consists of 3 stages. The first stage is the creation of a 3D model. The second stage is to convert
the 3D object data into an STL file format, by approximating the contours of the 3D object with a series of tessellated
triangles. Finally, the STL file is sent to a 3D printer for production. The detailed knowledge of human anatomy is important for medical students and doctors of various departments, especially for those in surgical departments where
technical skills are developed based on anatomical knowledge. In various studies, education with 3D products shows
positive results. 3D products are relatively cheap, easier to store, scalable, dissectable, ethically unproblematic and able
to show rare cases. Education with the use of 3D products is safe and tolerant in regard to mistakes. Also it gives an opportunity for pushing the limits.