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People of 3D Printing: Samuel Guigo
Who is Samuel Guigo?
A trained radiologic technologist, Samuel Guigo began his career in Parisian hospitals before joining the University Hospital of Brest (CHU de Brest) in 2017. There, he plays a central role in developing innovative healthcare solutions. He is also one of the driving forces behind W.print, a platform dedicated to medical 3D printing. Within this structure, Samuel oversees the technical aspects and is deeply involved in designing and producing customized medical devices and anatomical models, working closely with clinical teams and biomedical engineers. His expertise and commitment make him a key figure in integrating additive manufacturing technologies into patient care.
Can you tell us about your background and how you came to work in a hospital-based 3D printing unit?
I initially worked on a research project in interventional neuroradiology, focused on fabricating models of intracranial aneurysms. My interest in 3D printing began with the creation of patient-specific models from medical imaging, a field closely related to my original profession. An initial grant allowed us to acquire our first 3D printer, and we gradually expanded this approach to other types of surgeries. This led to the development of an on-demand manufacturing service, producing spare parts or custom solutions tailored to the hospital’s needs.
I taught myself how to operate 3D printers, use medical image segmentation tools, and work with CAD (computer-aided design) software.
What exactly is your role at the hospital, and how does it connect with your work at W.print?
I manage the entire design process, starting with requests from hospital teams. We begin with a feasibility study to check whether a solution already exists and whether a 3D-printed component could better meet the need. I then handle the project from start to finish: medical image segmentation (using software like 3D Slicer), 3D printing, post-processing, quality control, product deployment, and occasionally regulatory documentation.
The needs we address typically fall into two main categories:
- Surgery: We produce personalized anatomical models that help surgeons visualize complex areas before operations. These models allow for more precise preparation. For patients, they improve understanding of their condition. The models are also useful for training purposes, for caregivers or healthcare partners. Some are even used as “phantoms” to test treatment strategies.
- Support Services: We respond to a wide variety of technical needs from the hospital’s support departments. This includes everything from hard-to-find replacement parts to customized adaptations for patients or staff. For example, we’ve created devices that help stroke survivors regain independence, or modified tools to improve comfort and efficiency for caregivers.
How would you describe W.print to someone unfamiliar with it?
W.print is a 3D printing lab integrated into the hospital, where anyone can submit a manufacturing request. People can come with a blueprint, a photo, or just an idea. We handle the feasibility study and custom design. The goal is to fill the gap when no suitable off-the-shelf solution exists.
Requests come from both medical and paramedical staff and often relate to improving working conditions, whether for stretcher-bearers, ambulance crews, kitchen workers, or others.
We operate nine printers using three different technologies, which allows us to meet a wide range of needs. For example, SLA technology is ideal for soft vascular models, while mechanical parts are generally made using filament-based printing.
Can you share a concrete example where 3D printing truly made a difference?
Yes—one key application is assistive devices for people with disabilities, particularly when commercial solutions don’t fit. For instance, we designed a custom spoon holder to help patients recovering from intensive care or strokes regain their independence more quickly.
We also create anatomical models to enhance patients’ and their families’ understanding of certain conditions. These tangible representations are especially valuable in pediatrics, where they help explain complex medical issues.
In surgery, 3D printing allows us to produce custom models for procedure simulations. This is especially useful in vascular, orthopedic, ENT, and facial reconstruction cases following cancer. These models help anticipate challenges, refine planning, and improve patient safety.
What innovations do you see as promising for the future of 3D printing in hospitals?
Acquiring small-scale sintering machines would allow us to produce a wider variety of parts in-house.
Internalizing the production of metal implants would also be a major advancement, giving us more control over these devices.
Another promising area is 3D-printed medication. This could enable ultra-personalized dosages or extended-release formulations—for example, multilayer tablets that gradually release active ingredients during digestion.
Such medications would reduce dosing frequency and improve treatment precision.
If you could imagine a future hospital use for 3D printing that doesn’t exist yet, what would it be?
It would be bioprinting, the ability to print tissue using a patient’s own cells, eliminating the risk of rejection. This could help solve the shortage of transplant tissue and create perfectly compatible biological materials.
Any final thoughts?
As public hospitals face increasing budget constraints, it’s crucial to explore innovative ways to keep staff engaged and motivated.
3D printing is a powerful tool in this effort. By giving teams the ability to create custom solutions, we enable them to improve their day-to-day work. Whether simplifying tasks, enhancing ergonomics, or designing specific tools, these adaptations have a real impact on well-being and, by extension, on the quality of care.
Their involvement in finding practical solutions fosters a sense of ownership, fuels creativity, and helps build a true culture of innovation within the hospital.
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