3D printing

The Clear Talker mask is an invention from the Central Virginia VA Health Care System meant to aid in communication between patients and staff. A product of the hospital’s Assistive Technology team.

The benefits of 3D printing are limitless—from individually customized care, such as creating hand and foot orthotics, prosthetic limbs, and reconstructive surgery, to more groundbreaking applications, such as the ability to accurately replicate a patient’s heart, lung, spine, or aortic valve. Clearly, 3D printing has a profound impact on Veterans’ lives.

The first COVID-19 Maker Challenge make-a-thon took place in early May and focused on challenges facing first responders like police, emergency responders, firefighters and others.

The Gears of Government award-winning VHA Innovation Ecosystem (VHA IE) works to support, develop, and organize VHA’s innovation efforts.

The five innovations below we’re awarded 2020 FedHealthIT Innovation Awards for being forward thinking and delivering results for Veterans.

VHA has pioneered the use of 3D printing in the health care space. Now, we are using that expertise to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency.  

With the help of the Prosthetics Service and 3d printing at the San Antonio VA, Army Veteran David Cromwell has cultivated a passion for sharpshooting.

When Veteran Jim Borelli was unable to drive his power wheelchair with a round joystick, a Milwaukee VA Medical Center physical therapist put him back in control with a square 3D-printed replacement.

Doctors, researchers and engineers at VA Puget Sound Health Care System are working with the UW School of Medicine on new ways to use 3D printing to diagnose and treat complex heart conditions.

South Texas VA’s senior prosthetist, Gordon Bosker presented 3-D printing technologies as part of South Texas’ Research Week celebration.

With GE’s 3D printing program, VA radiologists can produce models of a Veteran’s anatomy that a surgeon – and the patient – can hold in their hand and inspect from all angles. Read how it works.

Still in its infancy, VA researchers hope to build the first artificial lung that closely replicates the natural lung and compatible with living cells.