Yes, 3D printing has become increasingly common in the medical field. It is being widely adopted for various applications, including anatomical modeling, surgical planning, the creation of custom implants and prosthetics, and even drug delivery systems.

3D models play a pivotal role in surgical planning. Surgeons can use these models to simulate complex procedures, understand patient-specific anatomical variations, and determine the most effective surgical approaches. This not only reduces surgical risks but also enhances surgical outcomes.

One challenge is the lack of regulation. Because 3D printing is a relatively new technology, there are no clear guidelines on how to ensure that medical devices created using 3D printers are safe and effective. Another challenge is the high cost of 3D printers and materials.

Medical 3D printing is increasingly deployed in both clinical and research-based healthcare activities. It involves the creation of physical replicas of anatomical structures using 3D printing (also known as additive manufacturing) processes.