The game of operation... virtual insanity!?

     3-d printing has moved another common premise to the back of people's minds. Does anyone remember the market for virtual reality. In the mid-90s everyone was convinced that we would be living virtually out of our homes. It wouldn't matter what we looked like or how we were perceived because our avatar would be much more important. We soon found out that privacy concerns led us to a limited presence. We aren't fully digitized and often refer to our real world and on-line presence. 

     In the space in between real world and on-line we have 3-d printing. This is where we can take those ideas or realities that are theoretical and realize them. The latest example is using 3-d imaging to print organs that would then be used to practice surgery before the actual procedure is perform. Just think of the malpractice and insurance claims that could be avoided by implementing this technique. Medical students that are shadowing a physician would gain invaluable experience without the actual pressure of the theater. I'm sure a hospital with more happy endings would make us all smile.