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3D-printed silicone is being used in the development of medical respiratory masks for premature infants. Elkem Silicones, in collaboration with the Hospital Clínic of the University of Barcelona, is pioneering a proof-of-concept project to create 3D-printed silicone masks tailored to the unique needs of premature babies requiring respiratory support.

In the realm of medical innovation, 3D printing technology has opened new horizons, especially in the field of bone implants. One groundbreaking initiative, the Electrically Active ImplaNtatE (ELAINE) project at the University of Rostock, Germany, is at the forefront of research into 3D-printed bioactive bone replacements.

The ubiquity of plastics in medical is impressive. The catheter that unblocked my LDA and implanted a stent included an artery-opening balloon that’s usually made of PET or polyamide. It might be possible to do an angioplasty with a plastics-free catheter, but the procedure would be dicey and possibly more invasive.