Vancouver General Hospital launches North American first in 3D-printed medical splints

Vancouver General Hospital has launched an on-demand 3D-printing process to produce custom medical splints, making it the first healthcare facility in North America to implement this technology on-site.

Developed by occupational therapists at the hospital in partnership with the B.C.-based company PolyUnity, the process aims to improve efficiency in rehabilitation care for patients with hand injuries or burns. Traditional custom splints can require up to two hours of clinician time to create, whereas the 3D-printed versions take approximately 30 minutes.

Health Minister Ravi Kahlon stated that the innovation allows healthcare professionals more flexibility to focus on direct patient care. Vancouver Coastal Health plans to phase the technology in throughout the region to provide more consistent, evidence-based customized care.