3D printers their clinical, experimental, and teaching uses.

Abstract

Recent technological advances in 3D printing have resulted in increased use of this technology in human medicine, and decreasing cost is making it more affordable for veterinary use. Rapid prototyping is at its early stage in veterinary medicine but clinical, educational and experimental possibilities exist. Techniques, and applications, both current and future, are explored and illustrated in this article. An experimental project evaluating the potential use of canine and feline models for the teaching of local anesthesia was also performed. These models were statistically proven to be accurate and useful for teaching purposes. The survey conducted also emphasized a desire to see more 3D models used in teaching institutions.