Authors:
Claudia Quaresma
1
;
2
;
Ana Oliveira
2
;
3
;
Carla Quintão
1
;
2
and
Bruno Soares
2
;
3
;
4
Affiliations:
1
LIBPhys, Laboratory for Instrumentation, Biomedical Engineering and Radiation Physics, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal
;
2
3D Printing Center for Health, Lisboa, Portugal
;
3
UNIDEMI, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
;
4
Laboratório Associado de Sistemas Inteligentes, 4800-058, Guimarães, Portugal
Keyword(s):
3D Printing, Customised, Healthcare, Technology, Co-Creation.
Abstract:
The 3D Printing Center for Health is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing personalized healthcare through the innovative application of 3D printing technology. By using a patient-centered, co-creation methodology, the Center collaborates with patients, healthcare professionals, and engineers throughout the design and development process. This approach enables the production of cost-effective, highly customized medical devices, including prosthetics, orthotics, assistive devices, and anatomical models tailored to meet the unique anatomical and functional needs of each patient. While partnering with hospitals and rehabilitation centers, the Center addresses accessibility and affordability gaps often encountered in traditional healthcare, making advanced solutions more widely available. Clinical studies have shown substantial improvements in patient mobility and satisfaction, as well as a significant reduction in production costs due to the efficiency of additive manufacturin
g. This paper provides an overview of the Center’s mission, methods, and main achievements, highlighting its contributions to healthcare innovation and improvements in patient-specific care through advanced 3D printing technologies. The Center’s commitment to social responsibility, innovation, and patient-specific design is setting new standards in rehabilitative care and establishing a foundation for future advancements in accessible, high-quality healthcare solutions.
(More)