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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
3D Printing of Preclinical X-ray Computed Tomographic Data Sets
Published on: March 22, 2013
Medical 3D Printing for the Radiologist
Dimitris Mitsouras1, Peter Liacouras1, Amir Imanzadeh1
1From the Applied Imaging Science Laboratory, Department of Radiology (D.M., A.I., A.A.G., T.C., K.K.K., E.G., F.J.R.), and Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery (E.J.C., B.P.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Mass; 3D Medical Applications Center, Department of Radiology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md (P.L., V.B.H., G.T.G.); Center for Advanced Imaging Innovation and Research, Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY (N.W.); and Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY (N.W.).
3D printing transforms radiology by creating physical models from DICOM images, offering tactile feedback and depth perception for better diagnosis and surgical planning. This technology presents challenges but promises exponential growth in medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Advanced visualization is crucial in radiology for diagnosis and clinician communication.
- There's a need for 3D printed models from DICOM images to provide tactile feedback and depth information.
- 3D printing is increasingly adopted in medicine, moving beyond nonmedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the unmet need for 3D printed models from DICOM images in radiology.
- To explore the challenges and benefits of incorporating 3D printing in radiological practice.
- To inform radiologists about 3D printing technologies, materials, applications, and clinical benefits.
Main Methods:
- Review of current 3D printing technologies and materials relevant to medical imaging.
- Analysis of published applications of 3D printed models in medicine.
- Discussion of challenges including training, equipment, and guidelines for 3D printing labs.
- Evaluation of the cost-benefit balance for clinical implementation.
Main Results:
- 3D printed models offer tactile feedback and tangible depth information from DICOM data.
- Challenges in implementing 3D printing in radiology include training, materials, equipment, and guidelines.
- The use of 3D printed models for intervention planning and implant fabrication is expected to grow rapidly.
- Radiologists need to be familiar with 3D printing technologies, materials, and applications.
Conclusions:
- 3D printing from DICOM images enhances diagnostic capabilities and communication in radiology.
- Successful integration requires addressing practical challenges and balancing costs with clinical benefits.
- The field is poised for significant growth, necessitating radiologist engagement with 3D printing technologies.
