Axial3D & Fast Radius Offer DICOM-to-Print Anatomical Model 3D Printing Service for Surgical Planning

We’re still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it seems like there’s at least a small light at the end of the tunnel as businesses and services begin to open their doors once again. This is also a pretty important time for hospitals right now, since they are starting to perform surgical procedures again. Obviously, the crisis has created a pretty big surgery backlog, which is why Fast Radius and Axial3D are teaming up to create better 3D-printed anatomical models for surgical planning.

When it comes to surgery, using 3D printing in the pre-planning process has been proven time and again to be of tremendous value, as it can help save on costs, as well as decrease the amount of time a patient is on the operating table. It can help make the process more efficient, and the surgeon more confident, especially when dealing with complex cases.

3D printed anatomical heart model. (Image credit: Materialise)

By using 3D technologies in surgical planning, clinicians can enjoy a higher standard of medical imaging, which enables them to have more insight into the unique anatomical details of different patients. Before they’re anywhere close to the operating room, the surgeons can hold 3D-printed anatomical models in their own two hands and take a much closer look at what they’ll be dealing with. Not only does this allow them to better define, and even practice, surgeries ahead of time, but patients can also handle the models in order to gain a better understanding of what’s going on in their bodies.

“The partnership between Fast Radius and Axial3D comes at a critical time for healthcare institutions. We are now able to support surgeons and hospitals in the US minimize the impact of COVID 19 as they endeavor to return elective surgery capacity,” explained Roger Johnston, the CEO at Axial3D.

Belfast-based healthcare technology firm Axial3D is focused on the global adoption of 3D printing in the healthcare industry, and its patient-specific 3D-printed medical models are award-winning. By partnering with Chicago-headquartered digital manufacturing solutions provider Fast Radius, clinicians all across North America will be able to make much more precise surgical plans than what 2D imaging can offer, according to the partners.

(Image credit: Axial3D)

Together, the two companies have developed what they consider a high-volume, high-quality DICOM-to-print service that will allow hospitals and surgeons in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to fabricate patient-specific 3D anatomical models, at high speeds, with an accuracy of micro-millimeters. They’ll use patient 2D scans to create the models, and once they’re 3D printed, they will be shipped to the hospitals within a minimum of 48 hours. How’s that for service?

“Our mission at Fast Radius is to help companies make new things possible that advance the human condition. Partnering with Axial3D to make these surgical models will have a great impact on patient care. It’s work we’re proud to do,” said Lou Rassey, the CEO at Fast Radius.

What do you think? Discuss this story and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com or share your thoughts in the Facebook comments below.