Know and understand medical applications including printing of prosthetics, tissue engineering, artificial blood vessels, customised medicines

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

ICT 0417 – 6 ICT Applications: Medical Applications

6 ICT Applications – Medical Applications

Learning Objective

Know and understand medical applications of information and communication technology, including:

  • Printing of prosthetics

  • Tissue engineering

  • Artificial blood vessels

  • Customised medicines

1. 3‑D Printing of Prosthetic Devices

3‑D printing (additive manufacturing) uses digital models to create physical objects layer by layer. In medicine it enables rapid, low‑cost production of prosthetic limbs and orthotic devices.

Process Overview

  1. Patient assessment and measurement (often using 3‑D scanning).

  2. Creation of a digital 3‑D model using CAD software.

  3. Selection of appropriate material (e.g., biocompatible polymers, nylon, metal alloys).

  4. Printing the prosthetic using a suitable 3‑D printer (FDM, SLA, SLS, etc.).

  5. Post‑processing – cleaning, curing, and finishing.

  6. Fitting, adjustment, and patient training.

Advantages & Limitations

AdvantageLimitation
Rapid prototyping – devices can be produced within hours.Material strength may be lower than traditional prosthetics.
Highly customisable to individual anatomy.Initial setup cost for high‑resolution printers.
Reduced waste compared with subtractive manufacturing.Regulatory approval processes can be lengthy.

Suggested diagram: Flowchart of the 3‑D prosthetic production process.

2. Tissue Engineering

Tissue engineering combines cells, scaffolds, and ICT‑driven design to grow functional tissue for repair or replacement.

Key ICT Contributions

  • Computer‑aided design of biodegradable scaffolds.

  • Bioprinting – precise deposition of cells and biomaterials.

  • Simulation software to predict cell growth and mechanical properties.

  • Data management systems for patient‑specific cell lines.

Typical Workflow

  1. Harvest patient’s stem cells.

  2. Design scaffold geometry using CAD (often based on MRI/CT data).

  3. Print scaffold with a bioprinter.

  4. Seed cells onto scaffold and culture in a bioreactor.

  5. Monitor growth using imaging and sensor data.

  6. Implant engineered tissue into patient.

Benefits vs Challenges

BenefitChallenge
Potential to replace donor organs, reducing transplant waiting lists.Complex regulatory and ethical considerations.
Customised tissue matches patient’s biology, lowering rejection risk.High cost of bioreactors and specialised equipment.
Integration of sensor data enables real‑time monitoring of tissue development.Limited long‑term data on durability and functionality.

Suggested diagram: Layer‑by‑layer bioprinting of a tissue construct.

3. Artificial Blood \cdot essels

Artificial blood vessels are fabricated using ICT‑guided manufacturing to treat cardiovascular disease.

Manufacturing Techniques

  • Electrospinning of polymer fibres to create tubular scaffolds.

  • 3‑D printing of polymeric or metallic stents.

  • Hybrid approaches that combine printed scaffolds with cell seeding.

Design Parameters (expressed mathematically)

The mechanical compliance \$C\$ of a vessel must match native tissue:

\$C = \frac{\Delta D / D}{\Delta P}\$

where \$\Delta D\$ is the change in diameter, \$D\$ the original diameter, and \$\Delta P\$ the pressure change.

Clinical Advantages

  • Off‑the‑shelf availability reduces surgical waiting time.

  • Custom geometry can be matched to patient‑specific anatomy.

  • Potential for drug‑eluting surfaces to prevent restenosis.

Limitations

  • Long‑term biocompatibility still under investigation.

  • Risk of thrombosis if surface properties are not optimal.

  • Regulatory approval varies by region.

Suggested diagram: Cross‑section of a 3‑D printed artificial blood vessel showing layers and lumen.

4. Customised (Personalised) Medicines

ICT enables the design and production of medicines tailored to an individual’s genetic profile, disease state, and lifestyle.

Key Technologies

  • Pharmacogenomics databases linked to electronic health records (EHR).

  • Computer‑aided drug design (CADD) using molecular modelling.

  • 3‑D printing of dosage forms (e.g., tablets, implants) with variable drug concentrations.

  • Artificial intelligence for predicting optimal drug combinations.

Personalised Tablet Production – Step by Step

  1. Analyse patient’s genome to identify drug‑response markers.

  2. Select active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and dosage.

  3. Design tablet geometry and release profile using CAD.

  4. Print tablet layer‑by‑layer with precise API distribution.

  5. Quality control using in‑line spectroscopy.

  6. Dispense to patient with accompanying digital prescription record.

Comparison: Conventional vs. Customised Medicine

AspectConventionalCustomised
DosageStandard fixed dose for all patients.Patient‑specific dose based on genetics and metabolism.
ManufacturingLarge‑scale batch production.On‑demand small‑batch or single‑unit printing.
Adverse reactionsHigher risk due to variability in response.Reduced risk through targeted therapy.
Cost structureEconomies of scale lower unit cost.Higher per‑unit cost but offset by better outcomes.

Suggested diagram: Flow of data from patient genome to 3‑D printed personalised tablet.

Summary

Information and Communication Technology is transforming medical practice by enabling:

  • Rapid, patient‑specific production of prosthetic devices.

  • Growth of functional tissues for repair and replacement.

  • Manufacture of artificial blood vessels that mimic natural compliance.

  • Delivery of medicines tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup.

Understanding these applications equips ICT students to appreciate how digital tools improve health outcomes and open new career pathways in biomedical engineering, health informatics, and pharmaceutical technology.