Advancing healthcare through additive manufacturing

Eleni Farmaki, Application Engineer, Medical, at Stratasys

Eleni's expertise in 3D printing polymers for biomedical applications has been instrumental in developing medical models and surgical guides that are transforming patient care. As we discuss the technical intricacies of her work and her experiences as a woman in engineering, Eleni offers us a glimpse into the future of healthcare and the ongoing efforts to bridge the gender gap in STEM.

How is additive manufacturing helping to improve patient care?

These days, additive manufacturing can be used to bring the look and feel of medical models with incredible realism that accurately represents both the appearance and response of human tissue. That has two really important impacts. Firstly, by having access to biomechanically accurate models, medical teams can perform detailed pre-surgery planning, using the models to familiarise themselves with patient-specific anatomy and consider the procedures they will undertake. They have hands-on experience before they enter the room. That results in better patient outcomes. Secondly, doctors can also use the models to explain to patients what exactly is happening in their bodies. This provides a higher level of comfort and reassurance in advance of what can be a stressful time in someone's life. Additionally, a better-prepared surgeon typically results in a reduction in operating room time. That, in turn, means that the patient's recovery will be faster and more comfortable.

What role do you see yourself playing in bridging the gap between technology and healthcare needs?

I am deeply engaged with our technology, applying it to meet the complex demands of healthcare providers. My extensive experience in this field has given me a thorough understanding of the technology's capabilities and its transformative potential for the healthcare sector. Beyond working with the technology itself, a critical aspect of my job is collaborating closely with a diverse team of academics, doctors, and engineers. This collaborative approach enables me to gather a wealth of information and harness it to foster innovation and practicality.

My journey to this point has been underpinned by a solid academic foundation, with degrees in physiotherapy and biomedical engineering. Before joining Stratasys, I worked directly in the healthcare field as a physiotherapist within a hospital setting. This experience provided me with valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by both medical professionals and patients.

Combining the firsthand knowledge from my clinical background with ongoing feedback from our clients enables me to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare, benefiting all parties involved. I enjoy helping to bring advanced medical solutions that can help medical device companies accelerate innovation and improve product quality, as well as assisting academic medical centres and hospitals in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing costs.

What do you see as the most significant advancements in medical 3D printing, and what excites you about the future?

The most significant advancements have to do with biocompatible materials. Today, a vast range of biocompatible resins is already available on the market. Med610, for example, is a rigid and transparent material featuring high flexural and tensile strength, as well as excellent impact resistance. It is suitable for permanent contact with intact skin for more than 30 days, and it supports a range of sterilisation processes, including ethylene oxide, steam, or gamma sterilisation. That makes it an incredibly versatile material for numerous medical applications. In the future, we may move towards bioprinting actual human organs. The technology is moving very fast. To start with, we might be able to print small parts, such as ears and noses. And then, one day, possibly detailed human organs – although that would require a step-change in capability.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and what advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?

I would say one of the main challenges has been around that first impression – the moment that happens when you enter a room. Occasionally, it has been reflected on someone's face, and perhaps I haven't initially been given the respect I deserved. Sadly, some people still have a bias when they see a woman in a technical role compared to when they see a man. But my advice would be to push forward, don't take things personally, and strive for what you want to achieve. Science and engineering is an incredibly exciting field, and we need talented young women to enter the profession.

What do you consider the most impactful application of 3D printing in healthcare today?

It has to be the anatomical models for pre-surgical planning. This is something that has a direct and tangible impact on patients’ lives. Stratasys is setting the standard in the market, delivering high-end 3D solutions with unmatched precision, reliability, and innovation trusted by medical professionals worldwide. That gives me a great deal of professional pride. At the same time, creating medical models for verification and validation testing enables medical device manufacturers to bring their ideas from concept to reality faster than ever before. We are supporting innovation that one day may help save lives.

You are very busy in your professional life. But how do you like to unwind outside of work?

Recently, I have taken up Katana training, which encompasses a wide range of techniques, strategies, and principles associated with the Japanese martial art of swordsmanship. Again, it's a male-dominated world – in our group of ten, only two participants are women. Yet, because of the underlying culture, it is very respectful. Essentially, no one has a gender; it's a welcoming society based on openness, tolerance, and respect. There are aspects to Katana training that involve meditation and reflection. And that I find helps me relax after my day job and to focus on what I want to achieve. Besides this, I enjoy exploring my creativity. I like to draw and write poems in my free time, so in a way, you could say I'm also bridging that gap between science and the arts.