Tecnologia de impressão 3D em enxertos e moldes para pacientes com queimaduras: uma revisão dos benefícios e desafios

Abstract

Burns are considered a public health problem and, in this context, skin appendages stand out as a promising technique for treatment. This method requires multidisciplinary approaches and plays an essential role in recovery and rehabilitation. Thus, 3D printing technology is changing the field of medicine, especially in the treatment of burn patients. It allows the creation of customized skin grafts and molds for rehabilitation, offering an innovative and efficient approach. Among the main benefits are customization, as it allows the development of grafts and molds adapted to the specific needs of each patient, improving fit and effectiveness; the ability to accurately reproduce the patient's anatomy, which is crucial for complex areas such as the face and joints; speed and efficiency, since it reduces the time needed to produce grafts and molds, thus speeding up the treatment process; long-term cost reduction, since with local and on-demand printing, there are savings in materials and transportation; in addition to innovation in biocompatible materials that allow the creation of structures that promote skin regeneration and minimize the risk of destruction. However, some challenges still permeate its use, such as: the high initial cost, since the equipment and materials for 3D printing still have a significant cost; limitations in biomaterials, since not all materials have the possible properties, such as elasticity and biocompatibility. Another important factor is the need for regulation and approval, since printed medical devices require rigorous testing and regulatory approvals. Furthermore, they lack specialized training, since health professionals need to be trained to operate and integrate this technology into treatments, in addition to integration with traditional techniques, since it is still necessary to combine 3D printing with conventional methods for optimal results. Therefore, this review highlights that, despite the challenges, 3D printing technology represents a promising opportunity to improve the quality of life of burn patients, providing more specific and effective solutions.