Case Study: Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital Mainz achieves faster, safer life-saving vascular surgeries with Stratasys 3D-printed patient models

German Hospital Improves Life-Saving Vascular Surgeries with 3D Printed Patient Models

The Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital Mainz, a leader in cardiothoracic and vascular care, faced difficulty visualizing and planning the most complex endovascular and aortic procedures using CT scans alone. To overcome this, the hospital integrated Stratasys 3D printing into its BiomaTiCS research platform—using the Stratasys Eden260VS printer—to produce highly accurate, transparent patient-specific vascular models for preoperative planning.

Using Stratasys 3D-printed models, surgeons rehearsed procedures, validated stent design and fit, and communicated anatomy to patients, enabling treatment of cases previously declined by other centers. Stratasys-enabled models shortened operating times by 5–45 minutes (up to about 40% in some cases), improved procedural confidence and outcomes, and provided realistic hands-on training for future vascular surgeons.

Johannes Gutenberg University Hospital Mainz

Bernhard Dorweiler

Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery