EDEN PRAIRIE, MN and REHOVOT, Israel and ERLANGEN, Germany, Feb 26, 2025 – Stratasys Ltd. and Siemens Healthineers presented the results of a joint research effort that demonstrates the accuracy of the solutions offered by Stratasys to enable 3D-printed medical imaging phantoms to replicate human anatomy.
The collaborative effort uses Stratasys’ RadioMatrix materials and Digital Anatomy technology with Siemens Healthineers’ advanced algorithms to improve the quality of complex anatomy medical imaging phantoms, allowing surgeons, researchers, and educators to replace simplistic anatomical phantom models for pre-surgery planning and education.
The new research shows how anatomically correct, patient-specific 3D-printed phantoms are scalable, cost‐effective and competent for development of new CT scan algorithms and improvement of diagnostic accuracy. By using 3D-printed anatomic models for radiology, it is possible to offer a patient-specific, anatomical model that replicates anatomy and pathologies.
“The integration of 3D-printing solutions to create patient-realistic CT phantoms, combined with the Digital Anatomy technology from Stratasys, represents a significant innovation in the field of computed tomography,” said Jesús Fernández Léon, head of computed tomography product & clinical marketing at Siemens Healthineers. “This cooperation not only enhances our ability to assess and verify the performance of modern CT systems but also ensures that our algorithms can rely on a highly realistic depiction of human anatomy. By working together, we are setting new standards in medical imaging.”
The results of the study were shared during this winter’s Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting.
The joint efforts will drive innovation in medical imaging through multiple ways:
- Integrating Stratasys’ advanced Digital Anatomy technology and materials with Siemens Healthineers’ imaging creates patient-specific phantoms with realistic radiopacity and anatomical precision.
- With the ability to produce repeatable data sets on the same anatomy, the phantoms eliminate ethical, and variability challenges associated with human scans and/or the usage of cadavers.
- Advanced post-processing include validation data for AI-based software solutions. The ultra-realistic phantoms accelerate the development of imaging algorithms, driving materials innovation, and enabling the exploration of new clinical and academic applications.
Using these sorts of 3D-printed phantoms, hospitals and imaging facilities can improve the calibration and functioning of CT scanners to deliver accurate diagnostics and thereby better patient outcome. These phantoms are also opening up opportunities in education, training, and research in radiology that will be beneficial for better patient outcomes and cost.
“The collaboration between Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers will pave the way for innovations that enhance imaging precision, improve training efficiency, and reduce reliance on cadavers,” said Erez Ben Zvi, vice president of healthcare, Stratasys. “This is a game-changer for the medical community. We believe this work can speed up the advancement of medicine and improve patient outcomes.”
The RSNA presentation detailed the deviations between real and printed models, with discrepancies as low as single Hounsfield units (HU) in essential areas including grey matter and veins. Expected to revolutionize CT imaging research, this level of accuracy replaces all previously used benchmarks.
Source: Stratasys
About Stratasys
Stratasys Ltd., founded in 1989 by S. Scott Crump, provides additive manufacturing and polymer-based 3D printing solutions. Headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN, and Rehovot, Israel, the company offers a range of products, including 3D printers, consumable materials, and software suites. The solutions cater to various industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products, enabling professionals to create complex geometries using materials like ABS, polyphenylsulfone (PPSF), and polycarbonate. As of 2023, Stratasys employs approximately 1,980 individuals and reported a revenue of $627.6 million. The company’s technologies have been instrumental in transforming product design, manufacturing processes, and patient care across the globe.
About Siemens Healthineers
Siemens Healthineers, headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, is a global medical technology company with over 125 years of experience. The company specializes in diagnostic imaging systems, laboratory diagnostics, point-of-care testing, and advanced therapies, serving healthcare providers worldwide. In 2023, Siemens Healthineers reported revenue of €21.7 billion and employed approximately 68,000 people across 70 countries. Originally part of Siemens AG, it became a separate legal entity in 2017 and continues to pioneer innovations in medical technology.