3D Printing Lab Online at Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center
By Jesse Bien, Public Affairs Specialist
Veteran Health Administration, the world's largest and most comprehensive provider of sensory aides and prosthetic devices is continuing to expand its capabilities to serve Veterans.
At Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, a newly opened multi-function three-dimensional print lab is delivering multi-3D print products to support Veteran care in three categories: medical modeling, assistive technology devices, and dental applications. These three print applications provide three unique ways to meet Veterans medical, dental, mobility and quality of life needs.
Medical Modeling helps both clinicians and patients gain insight and understanding of complex diagnoses through three-dimensional representations.
"A 3D print can assist with creating a treatment plan for a Veteran by educating the patient on their diagnosis, allowing doctors to improve their surgery approach, and have a better pre-operative and pre-procedural plan on unusual or difficult procedures," said Nyla Haddock, M.S., Biomedical Engineer, 3D Print Lab Supervisor.
Dental applications support dental patients by improving the speed of delivery of dentures and occlusal guards and minimizing the number of visits needed for measurements and adjustments.
Assistive Technology Printing provides caregivers with a powerful tool to develop customized solutions to address a wide range of care needs. For instance, a Veteran with Rheumatoid Arthritis was experiencing issues performing some aspects of her job due to her medical condition. Previously, the patient was provided with a brace that made it possible to complete tasks but were extremely challenging and painful, now she has a custom-made plunger device to assist her without perform her job duties without the pain.
"I feel more confident in my job. My hands used to shake, and I felt like I was losing strength, but since having this aid, it has given me stability and more ease in doing my job,” the patient told the 3D lab team.
"Each project involves careful consideration of ordering options, regulations, and patents,” Haddock said. “I can modify existing items to better suit the Veteran's needs or create a fully customized item specifically for them."
In addition to the fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, and poly jet printers, the lab aims to add a bio-lab printer which would provide the team with the capability to design and print prosthetic devices that could be surgically implanted.
Until then, the team is focused on custom aids and educational models and assistive technology aids to help with mobility and daily living.
For the curious, a viewing window in the lab allows Veterans and clinicians to watch how the devices and models are made. Each creation is a testament to the power of technology, teamwork, and the dedication to care and improving quality of life for Veterans.