But while cases like Kaiba's are a medical boon, both Terzic and the UM researchers stress that this and other regenerative procedures must be replicated in a wider patient population.

CNN: 3-D printer helps save dying baby

"This case is a wonderful example that regenerative technologies are no longer science fiction, " said Dr. Andre Terzic, director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine, who was not involved in Kaiba's case.

CNN: 3-D printer helps save dying baby