Impact of Innovation

Computed tomography (CT) scan imaging was invented in 1979 by a man named Godfrey Hounsfield, with the help of a method developed by Allan McLeod Cormack . Since the initial invention of this type of imaging emerged, it has been followed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1980’s and ultrasound.
Large companies such as GE, Toshiba, and Siemens enhanced the technology of CT imaging. These three companies are known for quad-slice scanners. Although the quad-slice scanning was invented by a company named Elscint who eventually sold to Phillips.

As medical equipment engineering evolves, 3D printed technology has become very essential to the health care industry. The three dimensional imaging allows the medical world to create prosthetics and implants for replacements of internal joints, cranial bone and teeth. Surgical instruments are also important because when these instruments are created in 3D, they can be designed specifically for surgeries that require extreme precision. “One of the most important aspects of a successful surgery is having the proper instruments for the case.” (Warrington, CST, 2018). As a Neurological brain and spine surgical team member, this is a specialty service that requires many intricate instruments. The use of Intra-operative CT scanners that give 3D images during surgery helps the surgeons navigate the anatomy with precision.

3D printing is advancing forward to include cardiac surgery. The ability to create materials that will be accepted by the human body is one of the goals of using 3D imaging. A team of engineers, physicians, and researchers are coordinating efforts to create stents that will fit the specifics of each patient exactly according to their anatomy during surgery. The first-movers technology that began with the invention of X-rays, CT scans, MRI imaging, and ultrasound has now advanced to 3D printing. This is a significant improvement and impact to modern technology.


References:

3D Printing of Medical Devices(2018). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/3dprintingofmedicaldevices/default.htm


Freiherr, G. (2014, November). The Eclectic History of Medical Imaging. Imaging Technology News, Retrieved from https://www.itnonline.com/article/eclectic-history-medical-imaging


How 3D Printing is Driving Innovation to Medical Specialties(2015). Retrieved from https://hitconsultant.net/2015/09/28/how-3d-printing-is-driving-innovation-to-medical-specialties/