The many ways 3D printing is enhancing VA health care

VA is committed to leveraging cutting edge technology to improve the health care of our nation’s Veterans.

In this episode of the podcast series New Horizons in Health, VA Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal leads a discussion about a very important advancement in Veteran care: 3D printing.

Elnahal is joined by an Air Force Veteran, a rehabilitation engineer and an assistive technology program coordinator.

Regaining independence

Air Force Veteran Jeff Larson shares his story of the accident that left him paralyzed, his rehabilitation journey and how 3D printing is helping him regain his independence and quality of life.

“In surgery, they took my bicep and wrapped it around and connected it to my tricep. Fortunately, I met some amazing people and Seth, and he introduced me to some of the VA 3D printing,” Larson shared.

Rehabilitation engineer Seth Hills works with Larson to create customized attachments for his prosthetic brace.

“We work closely with the Veteran to help them to become independent. There’s a lot of technology out there, but not all of it will meet the needs of every individual Veteran. So that’s a great spot for VA 3D printing to come in,” Hills said.

Melissa Oliver, program coordinator for assistive technology at Richmond VA, rounds out the panel with an overview of the birth of VA’ s Office of Advanced Manufacturing. “We don’t want to be limited by the supply chain or what we could buy from vendors. If we couldn’t buy it, we want to create it,” Oliver said.

VA has used 3D printing in the clinical environment for over 10 years and has been a pioneer in establishing point-of-care advanced manufacturing labs, bringing medical device fabrication to the hospital campus.

Learn more on New Horizons in Health episode 3 by watching here or listening here.