3D Printed Casts Reduce Medical Waste
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, medical professionals are leveraging new technology to meet new environmental standards. ActivArmor is leading the charge with its innovative 3D printed casts, designed not only for superior patient comfort and functionality but also for a significant reduction in medical waste. This article discusses how ActivArmor’s groundbreaking technology is making waves in both orthopedics and environmental stewardship.
The Traditional Cast: A Brief Overview
Traditional plaster or fiberglass casts have long been the go-to solution for immobilizing broken bones. However, these casts come with a few downsides: they are typically single-use, cumbersome, and contribute to medical waste. Once a cast is removed, these non-biodegradable casts often end up in a landfill, contributing to the growing problem of waste in healthcare.
ActivArmor's Innovative Approach
ActivArmor has reimagined the traditional cast with a 3D printed solution that not only addresses these issues but also offers a range of benefits that enhance patient care and environmental sustainability.
1. Recyclable Materials
One of the most significant advantages of ActivArmor’s 3D-printed casts is their use of recyclable materials. Unlike conventional casts that are discarded after use, ActivArmor’s casts can be recycled. This is a major step forward in reducing the volume of medical waste generated. By choosing recyclable materials, ActivArmor ensures that once the cast is no longer needed, it can be processed and repurposed, thus minimizing its environmental footprint.
2. Sustainable Manufacturing
The 3D printing process itself is more sustainable compared to traditional manufacturing methods. It generates less waste during production because it builds the cast layer by layer, using only the material necessary for the final product. This contrasts sharply with traditional methods that often involve cutting away excess material, leading to more waste. Additionally, 3D printing allows for precise customization, meaning each cast is made to fit the patient perfectly, further reducing material waste.
3. Reusable Design
ActivArmor’s casts are designed to be removable and reusable, offering a versatility that traditional casts lack. This feature is particularly beneficial for patients who need to undergo exams, x-rays, or physical therapy. For example, a patient wearing ActivArmor’s removable wrist cast can simply remove it and then reapply during an MRI Instead of having to cut off a cast for these procedures, making the process less cumbersome and more convenient, while still being locked-on for patient compliance.
4. Enhanced Patient Comfort and Customization
ActivArmor’s 3D-printed casts are not only environmentally friendly but also patient-friendly. They are lightweight and breathable, reducing the discomfort associated with traditional casts. The 3D printing technology allows for a high degree of customization, meaning each cast can be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the patient. Additionally, it is critical for immobilization to be adjustable in acute injuries, with changes in edema or atrophy over time. For patients who experience edema, their physician can bivalve, and add space to their ActivArmor cast to adjust for swelling, or tighten in specific areas, instead of recasting. This personalized approach not only improves the healing experience but also supports better overall outcomes.
Why Providers Offer ActivArmor
In addition to leveraging ActivArmor’s revolutionary technology to better serve patients, providers see the sustainable benefits as another differentiating factor for their clinic. Additionally, this reduction of medical waste supports clinics’ bottom line by eliminating the costs for medical waste disposal.
If you are interested in reducing your clinic’s medical waste by offering 3D printed casts, learn how to become an ActivArmor provider today to help keep our planet beautiful and patients active.
