In 2024, health innovation has been defined by breakthroughs in 3D printing, AI-driven solutions and new materials that promise to revolutionise patient care and medical research.
Our Health Innovation Technician, Dr James Allen, has picked out his top 10 health innovations from 2024 that are shaping the future of healthcare.
- 3D-printed metamaterials for medical applications
Spherene has developed a new class of 3D-printed metamaterials using sphere-based geometry. These materials have highly customisable mechanical properties, making them ideal for medical applications such as implants and prosthetics. The design flexibility provided by sphere-based geometry allows for precise tailoring to individual patient needs, reducing risks and improving outcomes.
Read more here.
- Removing ‘forever chemicals’ with 3D-printed ceramic ink
‘Forever chemicals’, known for their resilience and toxicity, pose serious health threats worldwide. Researchers have developed a 3D-printed ceramic ink capable of removing these harmful substances from water. This breakthrough could have a profound impact on global health, particularly in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.
Read more here.
- AI-Driven 3D printing for neuroscience and predictive tools
AI is being integrated into 3D printing to create more accurate and high-resolution brain models. These models improve our understanding of neural pathways and enable the development of predictive tools for neurological diseases. This innovation promises to accelerate neuroscience research and improve diagnostic accuracy.
Read more here.
- First-ever 3D-printed windpipe transplant
In an unprecedented medical milestone, the first 3D-printed windpipe was successfully transplanted into a patient. This custom-designed windpipe highlights the potential of 3D printing to address organ shortages and personalise treatments. The ability to create patient-specific implants represents a new frontier in regenerative medicine.
Read more here.
- High-resolution brain models
2024 also saw the creation of the world’s first high-resolution 3D-printed brain model, enabling a detailed visualisation of brain structures. This innovation is set to enhance neurosurgical planning, research and education, providing unprecedented insights into the brain’s anatomy.
Read more here.
- AI-optimised 3D printing techniques
AI is reshaping 3D printing techniques, enabling faster production, reduced costs and greater precision. These advancements are particularly transformative for producing customised medical devices and surgical tools, improving access to advanced care worldwide.
Read more here.
- FDA approval for 3D-Printed PEEK cranial implants
The FDA has approved the first-ever 3D-printed PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cranial implants. This marks a significant step forward in personalised medicine, enabling the production of highly durable, lightweight implants tailored to individual patients’ needs.
Read more here.
- 3D Printing to revolutionise cataracts and other eye conditions
Researchers have developed the first 3D-printable ocular resins, marking a significant breakthrough in manufacturing specialist lenses for implantation in the human eye.
Read more here.
- Revolutionary therapy device using 3D Printing
An Innovate UK Young Innovator Award winner has utilised 3D printing to create an advanced therapy device, offering a novel approach to healthcare innovation and personalised treatment solutions.
Read more here.
- Robotic skin 3D Printing for burn treatment
The Concord Burns Unit has introduced a world-first robotic skin 3D printing system, revolutionising burn treatment by enabling rapid and precise application of customised skin grafts directly onto patients.
Read more here.
These advancements above are not only pushing the boundaries of what is possible in medicine but also ensuring better, more accessible healthcare for patients worldwide. As we move forward, these health innovations are set to lay the groundwork for a future where personalised and efficient healthcare becomes the norm.
