{"id":70208,"date":"2022-08-25T23:31:16","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T23:31:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2022\/08\/25\/va-launches-3d-printing-device-to-assist-veterans-surgeries\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:16:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:16:30","slug":"va-launches-3d-printing-device-to-assist-veterans-surgeries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/news\/your-air-force\/2022\/08\/25\/va-launches-3d-printing-device-to-assist-veterans-surgeries\/","title":{"rendered":"VA cleared to use 3D printing tech to assist veterans\u2019 surgeries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Department of Veterans Affairs has gotten its first 3D printing medical device cleared to assist in veterans\u2019 surgeries, officials shared this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The product, a combination of \u201csoftware and physical goods,\u201d will be used to help doctors preparing for reconstructive surgeries of the jaw and face, Dr. Beth Ripley, a leader at VA for the expansion of 3D printing technology, told Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Known as the OroMaxilloFacial Advanced Surgical Planning System, the device, which was officially cleared for use by the Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 11<\/a>, will assist surgeons with pre-surgical planning by using virtual and 3D-printed physical models to guide procedure and treatment options for patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although there are similar devices that exist, this is the first instance in which a hospital system has designed, developed and manufactured such a product while simultaneously pursuing and attaining FDA clearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s unique and novel about what we\u2019re doing here at the VA is instead of going out to try and find it from a third party, we\u2019re bringing it into the house, into the hospital, right next to the patient and allowing the surgeons that know their patient best to be involved in that,\u201d said Ripley, who also serves as the deputy chief of the VA\u2019s Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That more personalized approach \u2014 a doctor can demonstrate a procedure to a veteran using a 3D-printed part \u2014 is just another tool that can provide veterans with the autonomy to advocate for themselves, Ripley added.<\/p>\n\n\n\t