Vancouver General Hospital launches 3D-printed splint process

Vancouver General Hospital has launched an on-demand process to produce customized medical splints using 3D printing. The Government of British Columbia says the process is the first of its kind in North America.

The process is expected to save occupational therapists and their patients an average of 60 to 90 minutes. Traditional custom splints can take as much as two hours to make, while the 3D-printed version requires approximately 30 minutes of clinician time, according to the government release.

Occupational therapists assess patients and capture measurements before securely sharing the data with PolyUnity, a Canadian medical 3D-printing company, to create a digital design. The custom splint is then printed on site at Vancouver General Hospital.

Miriam Wickett, occupational therapy practice leader at Vancouver Coastal Health, said: “This new approach allows us to deliver customized, evidence-based splints more efficiently and consistently while freeing up valuable clinical time that can be redirected to patient care.”

The process was developed by Vancouver General Hospital occupational therapists in partnership with PolyUnity and will be phased in throughout the region. Planning is underway to expand the model to rural and remote communities, while the health authority is exploring applications in professions such as physiotherapy.

The process is supported by VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Stephanie Higginson, parliamentary secretary for primary care access, said: “The use of 3D-printed splints reflects our government’s commitment to exploring new technologies and innovative approaches that strengthen our health-care system, improve patient experiences and support better outcomes for people throughout British Columbia.”