3D heartLocated at the BJC Institute of Health on the Washington University medical campus, the Medical 3D Printing Center offers a wide range of 3D printing services to researchers and clinicians in the medical community at Washington University and in the midwest region. We can provide medical and surgical modeling for adult and pediatric patient care via direct CT image remodeling, custom parts for research/research equipment, or whatever your 3D printing needs may be. We can print directly from your 3D file model or help you design/create a model to fit your specification.

The Medical 3D Printing Center at Washington University Medical Campus has three 3D printers capable of producing medical/surgical modeling (via direct CT image modeling), prosthetic forearms (including hands) that are robotically operated, research equipment and custom parts for research.

Experienced designers work with surgeons and other health care providers to develop custom models of patient anatomy. Model accuracy and precision exhibit the details and specific anomalies, which allow physicians to best tailor treatment plans to each patient. The turnaround time from initial order to delivery is much shorter than outside vendors and can be as little as 48 hours. In addition to models of patient anatomy, custom surgical guides, templates, and other tools may also be produced for use in the OR.

Our team has produced models for:

  • Craniofacial for facial trauma, craniosynostosis, orbital dysmorphology, and tumors
  • Cardiology for multiple complex cardiovascular disorders, from newborns to adults with congenital and structural heart disease.
  • Nephrology for tumors
  • Orthopedics

We work with our clients to develop accurate, high-quality models that will support your surgical, research or medical needs.  Our process includes:

  • Patient imaging via CT/MRI
  • Physician and engineer review the plan for the model, specifying anatomy and printing material properties including color, rigidity/flexibility, or need for sterilization.
  • Engineer creates initial image segmentation and sends pictures of the drafted model to client
  • Client reviews and, upon approval, the model is printed
  • Model delivered to client

Radio Rounds Podcast: Dr. Munish Gupta - 3D Spine Modeling for Spinal Deformities

Radio Rounds Podcast: Dr. Munish Gupta & Dr. Pamela Woodard - Medical 3D printing at St. Louis Children's Hospital

The Medical 3D Printing Center is funded by generous donors to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation.