Stratasys and Siemens Healthineers have introduced anatomically accurate, patient-specific 3D-printed CT imaging phantoms, which they say can improve imaging accuracy, support AI algorithm development, and reduce reliance on cadavers for training and research.

The collaboration integrates Stratasys’ Digital Anatomy technology and RadioMatrix materials with Siemens Healthineers’ advanced imaging algorithms. The resulting phantoms replicate human anatomy with high precision, allowing for more consistent imaging outcomes and improved validation of modern CT systems.

“The integration of 3D-printing solutions to create patient-realistic CT phantoms, combined with the Digital Anatomy technology from Stratasys, represents a significant innovation in the field of computed tomography,” said Jesús Fernández Léon, head of CT product and clinical marketing at Siemens Healthineers. “This cooperation not only enhances our ability to assess and verify the performance of modern CT systems but also ensures that our algorithms can rely on a highly realistic depiction of human anatomy.”
The use of 3D-printed phantoms eliminates ethical concerns and variability associated with cadaver scans, provides repeatable data sets for AI-driven research, and improves the calibration of CT scanners. Additionally, they support medical education and training by offering more realistic models for surgical planning and diagnostic studies.

At the RSNA annual meeting, the companies presented study results showing that their phantoms achieved Hounsfield unit (HU) accuracy within a few units for critical structures such as grey matter and veins. This level of precision could redefine imaging standards and support the development of new diagnostic techniques.

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