3D printing holds the promise of changing the healthcare industry for the better offering patients things like smarter drugs and hyper customized prosthetics. However, like something out of the 1990 film Dark Man, it might become commonplace for doctors to print organs to treat patients.

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In fact, it is already happening. Researchers from various leading universities have 3D printed major functioning human organs. Currently, around the world, and especially in the United States organ shortages are a major growing health concern.

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Due to the tremendous demand for organs, it has been estimated that 900,000 deaths each year could be prevented using engineered organs. Currently, in the United States, there are 113,000 men, women, and children on the national transplant waiting list as of July 2019. Sadly, on average, 20 people die each day waiting for a transplant, while every 10 minutes a new person is added to the waiting list. 3D printed organs are a viable solution. Even more so, these engineered organs go far beyond its practical benefits as these new engineered organs are very cost-effective.

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