9781422284810

before. For example, it can plug holes in the skull after patients have brain surgery. The PCL in Kaiba’s splint would break down in his body after about three years. His body would absorb it without causing him any harm. By that time, Kaiba’s windpipe would have enough time to develop properly. Then he wouldn’t need the splint anymore. To create this experimental splint, the scientists turned to an emerg- ing technology: 3-D printing. A 3-D printer uses computer models to build objects out of plastic such as PCL. These printers can make chess pieces, violins, locks and keys, shoes—even a car! The best part is that a 3-D printer can get the job done fast. That is just what Kaiba needed.

Made of plastic and created by a 3-D printer, this successful use of a splint showed doctors and engineers that individually made body replacement parts might be lifesavers in the near future.

9