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Learn more about 3d printing at UPMC.
Learn more about 3d printing at UPMC.

3D Printing at UPMC

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.

3D Printing Frequently Asked Questions

The process of 3D printing at UPMC starts with a surgeon:

  • Meeting with you.
  • Scheduling your surgery.
  • Getting a digital image mostly from CT scans, but sometimes from an MRI or ultrasound, for pre-op planning. 

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.

Anatomic models 

3D printing turns a digital image into a model of the exact shape and size of your anatomy. 

Your surgeon can use the model:

  • To plan and sometimes practice the surgery.
  • As a guide either before or during the surgery. 

This accounts for about 90 percent of 3D printing applications at UPMC.

Customized surgical tools 

We can also use the digital file of your anatomy to print:

  • Custom 3D surgical tools that match your unique anatomy.
  • Guides for cutting or drilling that your surgeon will follow during the procedure.

While the above methods make up most of 3D printing’s use in medicine, there are other potential uses, like:

  • Training tools. Surgeons in training can practice on a model of a patient’s actual physical anatomy.
  • Patient education. Surgeons can show patients the model of their anatomy to help explain an upcoming procedure.
  • Research. Doctors can practice prototypes of new devices or new treatments on 3D models of actual anatomy.

The surgical specialties that use 3D models the most include:

  • Orthopaedics.
  • Ear, Nose, and Throat.
  • Plastic Surgery.
  • Neurosurgery.
  • Cardiology.
  • Urology.
  • Cancer care.

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.

Currently, the health system pays for the cost of 3D printing, and there’s no added cost for patients.

3D Printing Image Gallery

Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing. Learn more about 3d printing.

"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:

  • Additive manufacturing solutions in health care.
  • Product development of novel medical devices.
  • New product introduction.
  • Process development for compliant medical devices.

3D Printing Patient Stories

  • How UPMC's 3D Printing Program Helps Patients (HealthBeat).
  • How 3D Modeling Can Make a Tumor “Real”

Find Out More About 3D Printing

  • In Medical 3D Printing, a Bright Future is Taking Shape (UPMC HealthBeat).
  • 3D Printing Adds a New Dimension to Medicine (UPMC HealthBeat).
  • Surgeon Uses 3D Models to Show Real Kidney Tumor to Patients (On the Pulse).
  • Made by UPMC; 3D Solution to COVID-19 Challenges (Inside Life Changing Medicine).
  • UPMC Community Matters: The Benefits of 3D Models in Health Care (WPXI).
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