FDA and 3-D Printing

So, apparently, the FDA has not approved any 3-D printed "devices" for use in humans. (Presumably, this excludes tooth implants).

Come on, people. Two toddlers have been saved by 3-D printed splints to open their airways. The splints were designed to be biodegradable (so needed no second surgery) - a technique which might be useful for adults as well.

The FDA serves a very useful purpose - it stops quackery. But sometimes it can be frustratingly slow and sometimes people die when there's a perfectly good treatment that just "isn't approved" yet.

I'd put to the FDA that if you're dying you may not want to worry about side effects. If your child is dying...

Eh. Just my thought on the matter.