Making models based on patient data is an obvious application for rapid prototyping technology. Whilst many doctors and surgeons have used this technology successfully, it is by no means a standard for diagnosis or integration with medical procedures. There are numerous reasons for this related to complexity, cost, speed and other performance criteria. This paper will illustrate a number of instances where RP and associated technology has been successfully used for medical applications. These examples will serve to illustrate the diversity of tasks in which RP can benefit the medical community and form the basis for discussion on how medical RP technology should develop.
Keywords: Biomodelling, Rapid Prototyping, medical applications
