3D printed human organ models to get cheaper

Tokyo: Japanese researchers have developed a new technology that can cut the cost of producing 3D printed human organ models by a third.

Three-dimensional human organ models help reveal complicated interior organ structure and allow doctors to simulate their operations, thereby reducing surgery time. Such models also help patients better understand their medical condition.

"The newly developed technique allows for the production of 3D human organ models at costs as low as one third compared to those for currently available technology,” the study said.

Researchers at University of Tsukuba in conjunction with Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP) developed the low cost human organ model production technique for use with 3D printers.

The technique makes way for producing human organ models in a format that makes internal structures, such as blood vessels easier to see.

It is expected that the penetration of the new technique will lead to the promotion of clinical site applications, the researchers said in an official statement.