3-D printers have been used to build jewelry, art and even guns. But University of Michigan is using the technology to create medical devices. Researchers used a 3-D printer that melts particles of plastic dust with a laser to help a 16-months baby called Garrett who was born with a defective windpipe. His condition, known as tracheomalacia cuts off his ability to breathe normally. A CT scan of Garrett’s windpipe was first taken so doctors could make a 3-D replica of it. Next they used the 3-D printer to design and build a “splint.” It’s a small, white flexible tube tailored to fit around the weakest parts of Garrett’s windpipe.
This technology was also recently used to build a jawbone for a patient in Italy.