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Three-dimensional printing in health care involves transforming a digital image like a CT scan into a 3D model. They are replicas of a patient’s actual anatomy.
UPMC launched its 3D printing program in 2016 and continues to expand its applications across various medical specialties. The 3D printed anatomical models we create can help improve patients’ outcomes as well as reduce the overall cost of care.
Doctors can use 3D models to plan surgeries or guide them during the procedure.
Our team combines expertise in 3D printing, engineering, and medicine. The 3D models we print improves all steps of a person’s care and helps reduce overall costs.
The process of 3D printing at UPMC starts with a surgeon:
Surgeons can request a 3D-printed model of your scan if they feel it can help them perform surgery more effectively.
UPMC staff members create a virtual 3D image of the requested area. They then use a special printer to make the 3D model.
The printing process can take from 30 minutes to several hours, based on the size and complexity of the anatomy.
There are two main ways we use 3D printing at UPMC.
3D printing turns a digital image into a model of the exact shape and size of your anatomy.
Your surgeon can use the model:
This accounts for about 90 percent of 3D printing applications at UPMC.
We can also use the digital file of your anatomy to print:
While the above methods make up most of 3D printing’s use in medicine, there are other potential uses, like:
The surgical specialties that use 3D models the most include:
The goal of 3D printing is to improve patient outcomes.
Because 3D printing makes a physical model of a person’s exact anatomy, it can help the surgeon performing a procedure.
If a person has a tumor on an organ, the 3D model will show the tumor’s size and location.
It will also show other vital structures near the tumor, like arteries. The surgeon can see the model before and during the procedure to know where to cut.
Cutting or drill guides also can show surgeons where to use their tools.
"3D printing has been an invaluable asset to my practice. I bring the models to the family and show them where their child's tumor is. I show them how we’re going to take the lesion out and what structures we need to protect. The families love the models. It really helps them understand what their child is going through. And it gives them more confidence in the surgical team. 3D printing has become an instrumental part of my practice."
Amanda Stapleton, MD
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
Endoscopic sinus and skull base surgeon
Anish Ghodadra, MD, medical director, 3D Printing Program
Dr. Ghodadra is an interventional radiologist and the founder and medical director of the 3D Printing Program at UPMC. He’s also an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the School of Bioengineering.
Dr. Ghodadra received his medical degree from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University. He completed his residency at UPMC, followed by his fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Sean Graves, associate biomedical engineer
Mr. Graves graduated from Pitt with a BS in bioengineering and a minor in industrial engineering. He joined the 3D Printing Program in 2022.
Areas of interest include patient-specific anatomical models and novel medical device development.
Nicholas Torres, associate biomedical engineer
Mr. Torres graduated from Youngstown State University with a BS in applied science in mechanical engineering technology. He previously worked in manufacturing engineering and design engineering roles and then joined the 3D Printing Program in 2022.
Areas of interest include:
