title: Three-dimensional Printing and 3D Slicer: Powerful Tools in Understanding and Treating Structural Lung Disease.
abstract: Recent advances in the three-dimensional (3D) printing industry have enabled clinicians to explore the use of 3D printing in preprocedural planning, biomedical tissue modeling, and direct implantable device manufacturing. Despite the increased adoption of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques in the health-care field, many physicians lack the technical skill set to use this exciting and useful technology. Additionally, the growth in the 3D printing sector brings an ever-increasing number of 3D printers and printable materials. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to keep abreast of this rapidly developing field in order to benefit. In this Ahead of the Curve, we review the history of 3D printing from its inception to the most recent biomedical applications. Additionally, we will address some of the major barriers to wider adoption of the technology in the medical field. Finally, we will provide an initial guide to 3D modeling and printing by demonstrating how to design a personalized airway prosthesis via 3D Slicer. We hope this information will reduce the barriers to use and increase clinician participation in the 3D printing health-care sector.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Electronic address: gzcheng@bidmc.harvard.edu.
authors.forename: George Z
authors.initials: GZ
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Raul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: San Jose Estepar
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Folch
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Onieva
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Sidhu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gangadharan
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
authors.forename: Adnan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Majid
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D015607:Stents
keywords: 3D Slicer; 3D printing; pulmonary; stent