3D Planning and Printing in NHS Hospitals – The Future of Surgical Planning

Materialise is delighted to share a few words before the HETT event in February regarding the revolution in surgical planning. We want to comment on how the integration of new technology in the NHS is aiding the Get It Right First Time (GIRFT) initiative.  

Previously, surgical and medical teams have relied on 2D images to view complex patient anatomy when treating complex cases. However, the inability to see what is around the corner in surgery makes it difficult, in some cases, to identify the best course of action.  

Materialise has worked with clinicians and medical device companies worldwide to develop the Mimics Innovation Suite Mimics Innovation Suite | Medical Image Analysis Software (materialise.com). This software suite takes 2D images and creates clinically certified and accurate 3D models. These models can be used for enhanced visualization, surgical planning, and even pre-operative simulations.  

Clinical papers indicate that surgeons frequently modify their clinical plans after reviewing the 3D visualizations. This leads to less stress in the operating room and can result in a faster execution of the procedure. 

Ten years ago, the presence of 3D planning and printing technology in the NHS was very limited. However, over the course of the past decade, this technology has significantly increased, particularly in the Cranio-Maxillofacial / Head and Neck and Cardiology departments. Interestingly, once this technology is adopted by one department, it tends to spread throughout the hospital, expanding its applications beyond the department it was initially intended for. This has resulted in the establishment of a multi-department 3D Point-of-Care lab. 

Adoption of advanced medical technology is becoming increasingly necessary in the UK due to the growing complexity of cases and long waiting lists. However, funding and capacity issues are limiting its implementation. Without adequate reimbursement, this technology will remain available only for a limited number of complex and niche applications. To ensure that all patients receive the best possible care, hospitals must expand their services by investing in additional workstations, personnel, and printers. Moreover, the NHS Innovation team should make funding accessible to hospitals across all regions so that even complex primary cases can be treated locally and with utmost precision. This would ensure that patients and surgeons "Get It Right First Time."   

At Materialise UK, we are dedicated to making personalized healthcare more accessible and reducing health inequalities. Our team specializes in CMF, Cardiac, Oncology, Orthopaedics, and Paediatrics. We collaborate with clinical teams to provide the best possible outcomes for their patients. We are proud to offer the Materialise Mimics Innovation Suite, which can now be installed in-house for planning and printing on-site Point-of-Care 3D Printing | 3D Printing in Healthcare | Materialise. This means that trusts can avoid waiting for weeks for expensive external companies to provide models or digital plans. Our team will teach you how to use the software and push the boundaries of what is possible. We can even visualize models in Virtual or Augmented Reality Spaces. Working in 3D enables patients to fully comprehend their treatment, which leads to informed consent. 

The adoption of 3D planning and printing in various departments of the National Health Service (NHS) is inevitable as clinicians are experiencing its benefits. We must ensure its future by providing sustainable funding through tariffs and HRG. Now that charities have initiated the process, let us take the necessary steps to secure its future in most trusts. 

If you would like to know more and continue this conversation, please find the Materialise UK Team at stand B80 at HETT North on 28th February, Manchester Central.  

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