The use of 3D printing can improve outcomes by providing 3D modeling to physicians with real-world scenarios to practice and reference.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota & REHOVOT, Israel, November 27, 2023–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a leader in polymer 3D printing and additive manufacturing solutions, today announced it is partnering with Siemens Healthineers to conduct a groundbreaking research project designed to develop new state-of-the-art solutions develop for the advancement of medical imaging phantoms for computed tomography (CT) imaging.
CT phantoms are a crucial tool in medical imaging and a nearly universal resource in hospitals around the world. They are specialized devices used to evaluate and ensure the performance of CT scanners. Phantoms are designed to simulate certain characteristics of the human body and enable the assessment of several key metrics, including radiation dose and image quality, facilitating calibration and ensuring consistent scanner performance. The joint development uses Stratasys’ PolyJet™ technology in combination with Siemens Healthineers’ unique RadioMatrix™ technology and advanced algorithm, aimed at translating scanned patient images into specific radiopacity material characteristics of the human anatomy. The solution enables custom phantom production and the creation of ultra-realistic human anatomy characteristics with complete radiographic accuracy of patient-specific pathology that was previously not possible.
This joint project will transform the way phantoms can be used in the medical field, and in some cases even allow device manufacturers and academic institutions to replace human cadavers with 3D printed structures. Having this capability enables critical efficiency and minimizes unavoidable human variability. This work will also generate a critical amount of research data, providing important insights for advancing CT system algorithms, driving materials development and unlocking potential new application areas – and identifying future research opportunities.
“The current limitations of phantoms have long been a challenge for the radiology community,” said Erez Ben Zvi, Vice President of Medical at Stratasys. “This collaboration with Siemens Healthineers will allow us to jointly explore the tremendous potential of our radiopaque materials and 3D printing technologies to overcome these barriers.”
Starting with the production of 3D printed phantoms for smaller scale anatomies of the head and neck region, the research will include the production of increasingly larger and more complex anatomies – leading to the Phase One endpoint of 3D printing a heart model and a complete human torso with full radiographic accuracy.
“The knowledge gained from this project represents a breakthrough in medical imaging that will open new possibilities for 3D printing and imaging applications,” said Lampros Theodorakis, Head of Computed Tomography Product & Clinical Marketing at Siemens Healthineers. “We are excited about the opportunities that await us as a result of this collaboration and believe it will have long-term implications for medical and academic applications.”
About Stratasys
Stratasys is leading the global shift to additive manufacturing with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, fashion and education. Through smart and connected 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem and on-demand parts, Stratasys solutions deliver competitive advantages at every stage of the product value chain. The world’s leading organizations turn to Stratasys to transform product design, make manufacturing and supply chains more agile, and improve patient care.
For more information about Stratasys, visit www.stratasys.com, the Stratasys blog, X/Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. Stratasys reserves the right to use any of the foregoing social media platforms, including the Company’s websites, to share material, non-public information pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation FD. To the extent necessary and required by applicable law, Stratasys will also include such information in its public disclosure filings.
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