Review
3D planning and printing in healthcare involve converting medical imaging data, such as CT or MRI scans, into three-dimensional models that can be visualized on a computer, XR, or 3D printed. These models serve a variety of purposes, from pre-surgical planning and education to the production of patient-specific implants and devices.
The use of 3D planning allows clinicians to analyze complex anatomies, simulate procedures, and even rehearse surgeries using patient-specific 3D anatomical models. Further it allows the 3D printing of patient specific intraoperative instruments and personalized devices. The use of these technologies has been shown to reduce surgery times, improve precision, and enhance patient outcomes.
From congenital heart defects to oncology and orthopedics, 3D planning and printing are reshaping how care is delivered, bringing precision medicine closer to patients than ever before.
Since its launch in 2018, the 3D Planning and Printing in Hospitals Forum has been a vital meeting point for healthcare professionals who are transforming patient care through 3D technology. From surgeons and radiologists to clinical engineers, the Forum brings together the most innovative minds in hospital-based 3D planning and printing to share ideas, showcase clinical breakthroughs, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
This year’s 2025 edition, held in the historic Irish College in Leuven, Belgium, was no exception. With 140 attendees from across Europe and beyond, the Forum was packed with inspiring presentations, hands-on workshops, and open discussions about how 3D technology is making personalized medicine the new standard in healthcare.
From groundbreaking case studies to actionable strategies for improving workflows, the forum showcased the latest innovations in 3D technology and its growing impact across multiple medical specialties. Here are the standout moments and trends from this year’s event.
- Expanding Applications Across Specialties
The Forum highlighted how 3D planning and printing is now making its mark in a wide range of medical fields. While it has long been used in cranio-maxillofacial and orthopedic surgeries, its applications are expanding into pediatric cardiology,oncology, urology, neurovascular, and more.
Dr. David Hoganson from Boston Children’s Hospital delivered the keynote address, describing 3D modeling as a “game changer.” He highlighted how digital models eliminate the need for surgeons to mentally convert 2D imaging into 3D visualizations, reducing errors and improving decision-making. His team now uses digital 3D models in more than half of their surgeries, spanning routine and complex cases alike.
In adult cardiology, Dr. Abdel Hakim Moustafa from the Hospital de la Santa Creu showed how patient-specific heart models help clinicians plan interventions for congenital heart defects, reduce ICU stays, and improve outcomes.
Dr. Davide Curione from Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital shared how 3D models were critical in planning the separation of conjoined twins. By providing a detailed view of shared organs and vasculature, the models allowed surgeons to optimize their approach, reducing operating time by 30% and ensuring a successful outcome.
In oncology, Maarten van Alphen from the Netherlands Cancer Institute demonstrated how 3D-printed surgical guides improve the accuracy of tumor resections, enabling better preservation of healthy tissue.
These examples demonstrate that 3D planning and printing are no longer limited to niche applications—they’re becoming essential tools across a wide range of specialties.
- Optimizing 3D Labs for Scalable Impact
As demand for personalized care grows, hospitals are increasingly adopting point-of-care 3D labs to bring these capabilities in-house. Establishing and optimizing these labs was a key topic at the forum, with practical insights shared by leading experts.
Celine Austrheim Krefting from Oslo University Hospital discussed how her team built an in-house 3D lab and overcame surgeons’ early skepticism. “Once they see the benefits—better understanding, confident planning, and cost savings—they’re on board,” she explained.
Florianne van Schaardenburgh of St. Antonius Hospital outlined the steps to establish a 3D lab, from choosing the right equipment to training staff.
Dr. Alberto Leardini from the Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute emphasized the importance of streamlining workflows to handle increasing demand while maintaining quality.
The speakers reported that by bringing 3D planning into hospitals, clinicians can reduce turnaround times, lower costs, and provide more timely, personalized care to patients.
- Extended Reality (XR): The Next Frontier in 3D Planning
Extended reality (XR), which includes virtual and augmented reality, is transforming how clinicians interact with 3D models. XR allows surgeons to visualize and manipulate patient-specific anatomies in immersive environments.
At the forum, Dr. David Sibřina from the Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine showcased how XR is being used for liver and lung surgical planning, enabling surgeons to explore anatomy in greater detail and plan procedures more intuitively.
Many hospitals are adopting a hybrid approach, using both physical 3D prints and virtual models depending on the case. As Dr. Chien Nguyen from UMC Utrecht noted, “VR and AR won’t replace 3D-printed models entirely, but they’re powerful tools that complement the physical models we create.”
Extended Reality not only saves time and resources but also makes 3D planning more accessible to hospitals with limited printing capabilities, expanding the reach of personalized care.
- Tackling Regulatory and Financial Challenges
Despite its benefits, scaling 3D planning and printing in hospitals comes with challenges, particularly in terms of regulation and reimbursement. Forum sessions provided valuable insights into overcoming these barriers.
Matthew Pilley from the University Hospital of Leicester shared how the UK is making progress in securing reimbursement for 3D medical models, a critical step toward broader adoption.
Dr. ir. Erik Boelen of Qase3D explained how hospitals can implement robust quality management systems (QMS) to meet the requirements of the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), ensuring compliance without compromising efficiency.
These discussions highlighted the importance of aligning clinical innovation with regulatory and financial frameworks to make 3D planning and printing sustainable for the long term.
- Real-World Impact: Stories That Inspire
The forum was brought to life by powerful stories of how 3D planning and printing are transforming lives. One standout example was the minimally invasive brain tumor removal presented by Dr. Jiten Parmar and Lisa Ferrie from Leeds General Infirmary.
The duo presented the case of a patient who had a brain tumor deep in the cavernous sinus, surrounded by critical nerves vital for vision and movement. Traditionally, removing such a tumor would require highly invasive surgery, involving the removal of large sections of the skull and significant recovery risks.
Instead, the surgical team, led by Consultant Skullbase and Neurosurgeon Asim Sheikh, decided to perform a groundbreaking minimally invasive procedure by accessing the tumor through her eye socket. Through advanced 3D planning tools, 3D-printed models and guides, and meticulous preparation, the team ensured precision and confidence during this challenging procedure.
The new technique was completed in just three hours instead of 8 to 12 hours with the traditional approach. The patient was up and walking the same day, discharged within days instead of weeks, and left with hardly any pain and only a minor scar of a few millimeters.
This innovative approach demonstrates how 3D technology can help in the development of life-changing solutions for patients once considered untreatable.
A Shared Vision for the Future of Care
The 3D Planning and Printing in Hospitals Forum 2025 underscored a shared commitment to making personalized care the new standard in medicine. By enabling precise, patient-specific solutions, 3D planning and printing are improving outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall quality of care.
In his opening remarks, Koen Peters, VP Medical at Materialise, emphasized that 3D planning and printing are no longer future technologies; they’re a reality. “Expanding access to patient-specific care is a shared effort,” he said. “While this event spans just two days, its impact will carry forward as our community continues to grow the role of 3D planning and printing in hospitals.”
With advancements in extended reality, automation, and reimbursement frameworks, the future of 3D printing in hospitals looks promising. As more hospitals adopt and scale these technologies, the vision of accessible, personalized medicine is becoming a reality for patients worldwide.
Source: Materialise
Image: Dr. Chien Nguyen about using 3D technology for statistical shape modelling in orthopedics . ©Materialise
