Home / Health / BC Hospital First to Use 3D Splint Tech
BC Hospital First to Use 3D Splint Tech
16 Sep
Summary
- Vancouver General Hospital pioneers 3D printing for custom splints.
- On-site printing significantly reduces splint creation time.
- This innovation enhances patient recovery and reduces supply chain reliance.
Vancouver General Hospital is set to become the first healthcare facility in North America to produce custom splints using on-site 3D printing technology. This initiative aims to revolutionize patient care by making the splint production process more efficient, faster, and accurate. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon highlighted that this advancement will lead to quicker patient recovery and free up valuable clinician time for direct patient care.
The implementation of this technology is a strategic move to reduce the provincial healthcare system's reliance on international suppliers. Officials announced the rollout on Tuesday at Vancouver General Hospital, in collaboration with B.C.-based 3D printing company PolyUnity. This collaboration signifies a commitment to exploring innovative solutions for improved patient outcomes.
Splints are crucial for rehabilitation, especially for patients with injuries or burns. The Health Ministry noted that traditional custom splints can take up to two hours to produce. In contrast, a 3D-printed splint requires only about 30 minutes of a clinician's time, representing a substantial efficiency gain. The government intends to deploy this technology throughout British Columbia.
