3D printed surgical templates aid tumor surgery

Stratasys-Siemens Healthineers Collaboration to Advance Medical Imaging

Stratasys-Siemens Healthineers Collaboration to Advance Medical Imaging

Stratasys announced a partnership with Siemens Healthineers to deliver a landmark research project to develop new, cutting-edge solutions for medical imaging phantoms used for computed tomography (CT).

CT scanners are essential medical imaging tools and are a near-universal fixture in hospitals worldwide. CT phantoms are specialized devices used to evaluate and ensure the performance of CT scanners. Designed to simulate specific features of the human body, phantoms allow for the evaluation of various fundamental metrics, including radiation dose and image quality, aiding calibration and ensuring consistent scanner performance. The joint development Stratasys’ PolyJet™ technology and unique RadioMatrix™ material with Siemens Healthineers’ advanced algorithm to transform scanned patient images into specific material properties based on the radiological properties of the human anatomy. The solution enables customized phantom fabrication and the creation of ultra-realistic human anatomical features with full radiological accuracy of patient-specific pathology, which was previously not possible.

A joint project between Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers enables the creation of ultra-realistic 3D printed phantoms with full radiographic accuracy of human anatomy.
A joint project between Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers enables the creation of ultra-realistic 3D printed phantoms with full radiographic accuracy of human anatomy.

This joint project will transform the way phantoms are used in medicine and, in some cases, will allow device manufacturers and scientific institutions to replace human cadavers with 3D printed models. This solution will enable extreme efficiency and minimize unavoidable human variation. The work will also generate important research data that will provide key insights for improving CT system algorithms, driving material development and exploring potential new application areas, as well as identifying future research opportunities.

"The current limitations of imaging phantoms have long been a challenge for the radiology community. Working with Siemens Healthineers allows us to jointly explore the enormous potential of our radiopaque materials and 3D printing technologies to overcome these obstacles."
Erez Ben Zvi
Vice President, Healthcare Applications, Stratasys

The research begins with the production of 3D printed phantoms of smaller-scale anatomies of the head and neck region, and then gradually aims to produce larger and more complex anatomies – until the end point of the first phase, the 3D printing of a heart model and an entire human torso, with full X-ray accuracy.

"The knowledge gained from the project represents a breakthrough in medical imaging, opening up new uses for 3D printing and imaging. We are excited about the opportunities that arise from this collaboration and believe that they will have a long-term impact on medical and scientific applications."
Lampros Theodorakis
Siemens Healthineers, Head of Computed Tomography Product and Clinical Marketing
3D printed head anatomical model

Are you interested in Stratasys technology for medical applications?

Meet the J850 Digital Anatomy Printer!

Stratasys-Ricoh collaboration

Stratasys-Ricoh USA agreement on on-demand printable medical models

Stratasys-Ricoh USA agreement for on-demand printable medical models

Collaboration helps bring more 3D printed anatomical models to hospitals and clinics

The new partnership will allow customers to upload medical files to a secure cloud-based service, where Axial3D’s AI-powered software will automatically convert medical scans into 3D printable files. The files are then produced on Stratasys 3D printers at Ricoh’s ISO 13485-certified facility, with the models shipped directly to the provider. The new solution allows a process that would normally take weeks to complete in days, without the need for on-site 3D printing equipment or additive manufacturing expertise. 

3D printed anatomical models are realistic, concrete representations of a patient’s pathology, enabling practitioners to plan and practice complex surgeries and improving communication between healthcare professionals, patients and their families. Stratasys Digital Anatomy™ technology even enables these models to be biomechanically realistic, with the feel and responsiveness of real bones and tissues. 

3D printed medical model
3D printed anatomical models allow healthcare professionals to practice and plan surgeries.

There is a growing demand for personalized solutions

The new solution provides clinicians and patients with greater access to patient-specific 3D printed models for preoperative surgical planning, diagnostic applications, and surgical education. The models allow clinicians to demonstrate treatment decisions to patients and surgical staff. Surgical planning with patient-specific 3D models can improve clinical outcomes and lead to significant savings through improved productivity.

"With the advancement of imaging techniques and 3D printing, we are seeing an increasing demand for personalized solutions. We offer a simplified and scalable, comprehensive solution that increases access to patient-specific 3D printed models in a fraction of the time, helping to deliver highly personalized treatment and care."
Ben Klein
General Manager, Patient-Specific Solutions, Stratasys

The partnership builds on the two companies’ proven track record of success, combining Ricoh’s quality control processes, manufacturing expertise and healthcare experience with Stratasys’ advanced 3D printing technology. 

We enable healthcare providers to access cutting-edge, precision additive manufacturing without the overhead. This solution democratizes, broadens access to patient-specific 3D printed models that can improve outcomes and patient experience, while also supporting physician education and training.
Gary Turner
Managing Director of Additive Manufacturing at Ricoh USA

Learn about the Stratasys J850 Digital Anatomy 3D printer, designed specifically for medical use! Download our 8-page brochure!