There are several challenges that hospitals and other care institutions face when it comes to 3D printing. One is the lack of standardized language and experience—but that challenge is second to cost. In the absence of a reimbursement strategy, hospitals that want to develop 3D labs are looking for ways to offset the costs associated with materials, maintenance, and other resources.
Stratasys and New York-based Jacobs Institute have teamed up to create a Center of Excellence with the goal of advancing 3D printing in medical applications. The center will allow Stratasys to develop and test medical devices using 3D printed prototypes and models to improve clinical education and training for physicians, caregivers, and patients. It will also serve as a referral center for hospitals and medical research organizations that are implementing 3D labs.
“By partnering with Stratasys, the Jacobs Institute is bringing the leader in 3D printing to Buffalo to work closely with the JI and its partners, Kaleida Health and the University at Buffalo, to accelerate the development of new medical technologies,” said Bill Maggio, CEO of the Jacobs Institute. “Working together, the respective institutions will leverage their strengths to make an impact far greater than they could make individually.”
Stratasys will provide 3D printing materials, as well as relevant hardware and software. It will also collaborate with the Jacobs Institute on technical and clinical case studies that include 3D printed applications, and also provide financial support for vital research projects.
“This announcement with the Jacobs Institute is an important milestone, marking the first time we are formally partnering with a medical organization to explore the exciting opportunities of 3D printing and healthcare,” said Scott Rader, General Manager, Medical Solutions, Stratasys. “Stratasys brings decades of experience to the Jacobs Institute, a leader in 3D printed models, to push the boundaries of how these models can be used to train the next generation of physicians, and test new devices.”
