Fredericton group using 3D printers to make prosthetics
Haitian girl, who can no longer use her hand after being badly burned, receives first prototype
Medical aid to Haiti has been made much easier,thanks to a Fredericton group now using 3D printers to make affordable prosthetics.
The prostheticwas given to a young girl, named Jean,who lives in northern Haiti. Shecan no longer use her hand, after being badly burned.
Colleen O'Connell runs a group called Team Canada Healing Hands, whichdelivered the hand to the girl.
Well, I still can't quite wrap my head around how 3D printing works, where you can take anything you can imagine and create it, she said.
The average prosthetic can cost thousands of dollars, while the 3D version cost only $20.
AnneChaisson, a family medicine resident atDalhousieUniversity, whose family owns a printing shop, 3D Print Works in Woodstock, first came up with the idea.
She travelled to Haiti with O'Connell for a course duringmedical school.Once she met Jean, she knew she wanted to find a way to help her.
Chaisson says the learning curve was steep,but with some patience and help,she learned how to use a 3D printer.
The hand was made using a design created by the volunteer groupE-nablingthe future.
She plans on making more prosthetic hands for Jean as she grows.