Artificial Human Lung
Some exciting news from the Czech Republic. Scientists at the Brno University of Technology developed an artificial human lung that could pave the way for better treatment of chronic lung diseases such as asthma. According to the research group involved, they can simulate issues such as asthma in the model artificial human lung. This helps devise more precise treatment methods for these debilitating conditions.
The model lung utilizes an array of modern technologies including 3D printing. This is great news again for the world of additive manufacturing because it sheds 3d printing in yet another positive light in the field of medicinal applications.
Inhaled Drugs
The lead researcher, Miroslav Jicha, says that the artificial human lung can be used as a reference model for developing more accurate inhaled drugs. In short, the accuracy of the model means the scientists can assess whether an inhaled drug settles in the parts of the lung that they need it to. As a result, there is no doubt that better treatments are on the way for conditions such as asthma.
Incurable Lung Diseases
Another possible benefit of this model is the possibility of studying incurable lung diseases in greater detail than before. Scientists need to reach a point where they can simulate other diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is nearly always fatal. If they can achieve the simulation, then the accuracy of the model will surely allow treatment to follow.
The Future
The question that inevitably pops up after any development like this inevitably concerns the future of medical treatment. As a result of their impressive use of 3d printing technology, the team received three patents for the artificial lung model. At the same time, the team is optimistic that their model lung will become the European standard for testing.
Ultimately, 3D printing alone wasn’t responsible for this development. But that doesn’t matter. 3D printing has again played a significant role in catering for new developments in the medical field. There have been a plethora of medical developments this year alone that utilize 3D printing. This is just another one to add to an increasingly extensive list.
