Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers advance CT medical imaging

Stratasys announced a collaboration with Siemens Healthineers to conduct a groundbreaking research project to develop new solutions for the development of medical imaging phantoms for computed tomography (CT) imaging. CT phantoms, a key tool in medical imaging and an almost universal source of information in hospitals around the world, are specialized devices used to assess and ensure the operation of CT scanners. Designed to simulate certain features of the human body, the phantoms enable the assessment of various fundamental metrics, including radiation dose and image quality, helping with calibration and ensuring consistent scanner performance.

The joint project uses PolyJet technology combined with Stratasys’ RadioMatrix technology and an advanced algorithm from Siemens Healthineers. It aims to transform scanned images of patients into specific material properties while maintaining the radiopaque of the human anatomy. The solution will enable customized phantom fabrication and the creation of ultra-realistic human anatomical features with full radiographic accuracy of patient-specific pathology that was not previously possible.

The companies say the project will change the way phantoms are used in medicine and, in some cases, even enable device manufacturers and academic institutions to replace human cadavers with 3D-printed structures. Having this capability enables critical performance and minimizes inevitable human variability. This work will also generate a key research data set, providing key insights needed to improve CT system algorithms, support materials development and unlock potential new application areas, as well as identify future research opportunities.

Starting from the production of 3D printed phantoms for the anatomy of the head region and delivered to scale, research is delivered, sent by anatomy units – until the end point, preceding, sent to 3D printed model of the heart and human, from which radiological flows.

Source: Stratasys press materials