Stratasys, a specialist in polymer 3D printing solutions, has announced the first radiopaque 3D printing material for the Stratasys Digital Anatomy 3D printers. The new Stratasys RadioMatrix material produces radio-realistic anatomic models which are visible under CT scans or X-ray images.
“This new material is allowing our customers to print radio-realistic models that exhibit defined and predictable radiopacity properties under medical imaging such as CT or X-ray,” said Ben Klein, director of product management, healthcare solutions for Stratasys. “This material development was driven by customer requests to create radiopaque anatomic models, ones that can mimic human anatomy visualisation under X-ray. We continue to push the boundaries of medical modelling with multi-material printing.”
Stratasys Digital Anatomy printers can create full-colour visual models and biomechanically realistic functional models that are used worldwide for training simulations, pre-surgical planning and medical device development. Through the introduction of the new RadioMatrix material, the Digital Anatomy printer can now print anatomical models that can be viewed under CT or X-ray. These models can exhibit a range of radiopacity values from -30 to 1000 Hounsfield Units (HU).
“The ability to 3D print models with controlled radiodensity is expected to ultimately improve visibility and traceability of medical devices, improve our production of bespoke and patient-derived phantoms for training and educational purposes, and enable new methodologies for improving CT image quality. This novel material opens the door to new applications and research opportunities, ultimately improving patient care delivery,” said Justin Ryan, Ph.D., director of the Helen and Will Webster Foundation 3D Innovations Lab, Rady Children’s Hospital - San Diego, California.