Tech & Innovation in Healthcare

Reader Questions:

Use 3D Printing to Produce Assistive Devices

Question: We have several patients who are veterans and need assistive technology to perform daily tasks. Are there low-cost options for these patients?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: Yes! One option that’s available uses 3D printing. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) is placing a vast selection of 3D printing design packages on the National Institute of Health’s (NIH’s) 3D page. The packages also include computer-assisted design (CAD) files and instructions on how to produce the devices and how to use the tools once they’re produced.

Among the 3D printable designs are tools geared toward assistive technology (AT). The VHA’s submission includes more than 30 designs and the agency is seeking to grow the collection of plans that are available to download.

Several veterans with disabilities have used these tools to improve their quality of life. For example, a 3D-printed palm grip for a stylus helps make it easier for patients to write.

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