Case Study: Creighton University achieves patient-specific, high-fidelity ultrasound-guided breast biopsy models with Stratasys

Developing Patient-Specific, Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy Models Using the Digital Anatomy™ Printer

Creighton University’s Clinical Biomedical Imaging Core in the School of Medicine needed patient-specific, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy models because commercially available silicone phantoms produced unnatural needle recoil and didn’t replicate the tactile or ultrasound behavior of real tissue. To address this, Creighton used Stratasys’ Digital Anatomy Printer (with GrabCAD presets) to explore materials and anatomies that mimic breast and lesion tissue.

Using Stratasys’ Digital Anatomy Printer and GrabCAD presets (Encapsulated Subcutaneous Fat, Solid Internal Organ 6, and Soft DM 400 for skin), the team printed models from deidentified MRI scans and tuned ultrasound settings for realistic imaging. The Stratasys-printed phantoms delivered markedly better ultrasound fidelity, a more lifelike feel, and larger biopsy trough capture than prefabricated silicone models—improvements the mammographer judged “much more similar to a true patient”—and support better training that can help reduce OR and recovery time and standardize care.

Creighton University

Christian Cox

Chair of the Department of Radiology