Stratasys network 3D printing hospital
3D printed hand model for teaching, diagnosis, procedural planning. Digital file is a VA resource, hospitals can request models 3D printed on network printers for shipment.
Stratasys has announced a partnership with the US Department of Veteran Affairs, which will see the launch of a collaborative 3D printing hospital network.
One of the first of its kind in the US, the leading 3D printing manufacturer believes this network signifies an industry milestone.
Specifically designed to have a positive impact on patient care and doctor preparation, landing an agreement like this with the Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Innovation (VACI) has been the cornerstone of Stratasys’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. As the largest integrated healthcare system in the country, the Veterans Health System is leveraging both 3D printers and materials to foster a high level of collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout hospitals.
“3D printing is expected to have a direct and often immediate impact on societal well-being – with innovation having the power to dramatically shape lives and communities for the better,” said Arita Mattsoff, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Stratasys. “With three decades of experience and a lifetime of 3D printing innovation, Stratasys is in a unique position to lead meaningful change across many important social causes.”
Stratasys CSR program aims to promote the effectiveness of 3D printing to young minds, bringing transformative medical and educational programs to underprivileged communities, and creating life-changing impacts for the people who need it most.
Stratasys network 3D printing hospital
Digital design file of smoothed orthotic, ready for 3D printing by VA Hospitals
Through this partnership, Stratasys will equip five Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals in the US with 3D printers, materials and training. Utilising this technology and support, the VA hospitals will accelerate development of custom orthotics, prostheses, and anatomical models for personalised healthcare. The equipment will be fully integrated across hospitals, generating a network for building skills and knowledge-sharing across sites. With this all in place, Stratasys expects improved patient outcomes, enhanced surgical collaboration, and a reduction in costs.
“This 3D printing network is a significant step forward in how we approach patient treatments,” said radiologist, Beth Ripley, MD, PhD, leader of the VA initiative. “The technology not only enables 3D models of a patient’s unique anatomy for diagnosis and treatment, but can also be used to engineer personalised health solutions for veterans – including prosthetics and assistive technologies.”
During the initial deployment stage, Stratasys 3D printers are being installed at VA hospitals in Puget Sound, San Antonio, Albuquerque, Orlando and Boston.
“Our work with the VA exemplifies the tremendous difference additive manufacturing is making around the healthcare industry,” said R. Scott Rader, PhD, GM of Healthcare Solutions at Stratasys. “These solutions now make it possible to not only improve patient care, but set new standards for highly personalised solutions. 3D printing today is advancing healthcare in ways that would have been nearly impossible even a decade ago.”
