Stratasys and Ricoh USA have enrolled the first patient in a clinical study to assess 3D printed models for preoperative planning in orthopaedic oncology.
The research aims to compare 3D printed anatomical models’ efficacy against the current standard of care, which involves CT or MRI imaging, to potentially improve surgical outcomes.
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As part of the study, the companies will assess if the use of these 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.”
Scheduled for a 12-month period, the prospective, multi-centre randomised controlled study involves up to 150 subjects at three different sites.
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By GlobalDataThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Corewell Health have already agreed to participate.
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.”
Earlier this month, Ricoh USA unveiled its Point of Care 3D medical device manufacturing facility in the US.
Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the RICOH 3D for Healthcare Innovation Studio will provide clinicians with immediate access to 3D-printed anatomic models for surgical planning and patient education.
