With the goal of comparing 3D printed anatomical models’ efficacy against the current standard of care – thus improving surgical outcomes -, 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys and service provider Ricoh USA enrolled the first patient in orthopaedic oncology study.
For those who do not know, current standard techniques involve CT or MRI imaging. Stratasys and Ricoh USA now aim to evaluate if 3D printed models can lead to reduced operating times, less blood loss, and a decrease in procedural complications.
The experimental group will use the 3D-printed models alongside imaging while the comparator group will rely solely on imaging for their preoperative planning.
Stratasys Medical vice-president Erez Ben Zvi said: “The collaboration brings together unparalleled experience and innovation in medical imaging and 3D printing and, if successful, may establish anatomical models as a new standard for patient treatment in tumour removal from bones.”
The prospective, multi-centre randomized controlled study spans 12 months and includes up to 150 subjects across three different sites.
Ricoh USA Additive Manufacturing managing director Gary Turner said: “We are thrilled to co-sponsor this important clinical trial alongside our longstanding partners at Stratasys to further demonstrate the potential impact of 3D patient-specific modelling, as well as accelerate the adoption of this technology to better serve a broader population.”
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