3D Systems has acquired Medical Modeling, a key player in the use of 3D modeling and printing to changing the way reconstructive surgery is carried out.
3DS also announced plans to consolidate its healthcare activities into a single unit under the leadership of former Medical Modeling president, Andy Christensen, who was named 3DS’ vice president, personalized surgery and medical devices.
“We are thrilled to become part of 3DS,” said Andy Christensen, president, Medical Modeling. “We already use most of 3DS’ leading professional design-to-manufacturing tools including its Geomagic Freeform modeling software and haptic tools and advanced manufacturing stereolithography and ColorJet printing professional-grade 3D printers.
“Working with surgeons around the world on tens of thousands of patient cases gives us a unique perspective on surgical planning opportunities that, together with 3DS technology platform and resources, could accelerate our global growth and enhance overall patient outcomes.”
Medical Modeling delivers Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP), a service-based approach to personalised surgery that combines expertise in medical imaging, surgical simulation and additive manufacturing. This allows surgeons access to the most up-to-date toolbox for today’s most challenging head and neck surgical procedures. VSP combines a detailed virtual surgical plan with custom-engineered instrumentation to ensure surgical success. Patented and clinically tested technology is available to aid surgeries ranging from trauma reconstruction of the facial skeleton to guidance of fibula-free grafts to more routine orthognathic surgeries.
“The combination of our rapidly growing healthcare business with Medical Modeling’s expanding range of products and services creates the largest 3D printing based personalised surgery and patient specific medical device service capabilities available today,” said Avi Reichental, 3DS president and ceo. “By leveraging our collective expertise, technologies and channels under the capable leadership of Andy Christensen, we plan to deliver an expanding range of direct metal and plastic medical devices designed to address this rapidly expanding opportunity.”