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Statistics show that of the 1.5 million patients in China suffering from organ failure, only about 10,000 will be able to get an organ transplant. Most are on the "forever waiting list" with their condition worsening and often resulting in death. It will represent a huge step forward if 3D printing can be used to solve this problem. However, processing of biological information and precision in printing are the toughest obstacles to be overcome on the way to the realization of 3D artificial organs. It will take time to unravel these puzzles.

Dai Kerong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering introduces a case: a doctor input the parameters from a CT scan of the leg of a girl with lipomyoma into a 3D printer, and printed a 3D model of her amputated leg. Eventually, the girl was able to stand again.

The use of 3D printing in clinical medicine is mainly used in two areas: one is to make 3D models of body parts with lesions, so that both patient and doctor can have a better visualization of the problem and are better able to discus it. They can then prepare a more personalized and accurate operation plan based on the reaction of the model. The second application involves using biological "ink" to print living cells on a 3D model, creating bionic organs and living tissues, then implanting them into the human body.