The Indian healthcare industry believes that the establishment of advanced on-site 3D printing labs will streamline preoperative planning, enhance surgical precision, and allow for the customization of implants and prostheses in various fields such as orthopedics, oncology, and neurology. The adoption of robotics and 3D printing technology is transforming surgery, offering improved outcomes through personalized and innovative solutions.
The introduction of such labs is poised to elevate surgical results by enabling the creation of patient-specific implants and prosthetics, which improve fit and function. Medical experts from both government and corporate hospitals emphasize the benefits of 3D-printed models in preoperative planning, particularly for visualizing complex anatomical structures and guiding surgical procedures more effectively.
The market for 3D design and printing technology in Indian healthcare is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 20.9% until 2030.
These advanced 3D printing labs house two 3D printers capable of producing detailed bone models to better understand intricate anatomical features or pathologies. They also generate surgical cutting guides to support the precise execution of bone cancer surgeries.
This technology marks a significant advancement in personalized healthcare, particularly in orthopedics. Dr. Sharan Shivaraj Patil, chairman and chief orthopedic surgeon at Sparsh Hospitals, described the new 3D printing lab at their Bengaluru-based facility as a major step forward in providing innovative care. The lab offers a complete range of services, from scanning to producing final customized models, underscoring their commitment to integrating technology with medical expertise.
Anand Venugopal, chief operating officer at Teaching Hospitals, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), highlighted the transformative impact of 3D design and printing. He emphasized that this technology shifts medical practice from image-based analysis to crafting physical representations of medical conditions, which enhances both patient understanding and treatment planning.
Dr. B Unnikrishnan, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, also pointed to the growing importance of 3D printing in healthcare, noting its contribution to more accessible and personalized medical solutions.
Dr. Aashish Chaudhry, managing director of Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, explained how 3D printing is becoming essential for preoperative planning, surgical guidance, and the creation of individualized implants in orthopedics.
Dr. Patil further emphasized that this technology will set new standards for surgical accuracy and patient care in India by enabling the design of custom-made prosthetics and implants that match a patient’s unique anatomy. He also pointed out that 3D printing will help reduce recovery times, improve surgical outcomes, and lower healthcare costs in the long run.
Looking ahead, Sparsh Hospitals’ 3D printing lab is not only focused on current capabilities but is also exploring future innovations such as the creation of artificial organs. As reported by pharmabiz.com, the advancements could play a critical role in medical research and bioengineering, paving the way for new breakthroughs in personalized healthcare.