Stratasys Ltd. and Ricoh USA, Inc. have started a clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of 3D printed models for preoperative planning and tumor excision in orthopedic oncology. The study will compare clinical outcomes between a group using patient-specific 3D printed models and a group relying solely on CT or MRI imaging.
The study aims to demonstrate potential improvements in surgical outcomes, including reduced blood loss, shorter operating times, and decreased risk of procedural complications. 3D printed models offer enhanced preoperative planning, allowing doctors to simulate procedures using life-size anatomical replicas. This approach is expected to lead to more precise surgeries, reducing the chances of positive margins and improving patient recovery.
The 12-month, multi-center randomized controlled study will involve up to 150 subjects across three sites, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Corewell Health in Michigan. Medical professionals involved in the study emphasize the potential of 3D modeling to enhance surgical preparation and patient education.
“Being one of the sites to participate in this study puts us on the forefront of demonstrating new technologies that can advance patient care and improve health outcomes,” said Aws Hammad, M.D., clinical faculty of orthopaedic surgery at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital.
“Addressing the challenges that come along with bone sarcomas and utilizing the power of patient-specific 3D modeling is a significant step in not only patient education but as an aid to surgeons for more precise surgical procedures.”
Stratasys and Ricoh aim to establish 3D anatomical models as a new standard in tumor removal surgeries if the study proves successful.
