Case Study: University of Pavia improves surgical planning and reduces theater time with Stratasys 3D printing

University of Pavia 3D Prints Vital Details for Surgeons

The University of Pavia, a historic Italian research institution with three hospitals, faced challenges in surgical planning because CT scans alone sometimes missed patient‑specific anatomical complexities, increasing operative risk and time. To address this, the university adopted Stratasys PolyJet 3D printing technology—specifically the Objet30 Pro and VeroClear material—to create highly detailed, patient‑specific anatomical models for preoperative planning.

Using Stratasys solutions the university now converts CT scans into 3D printed surgical guides, producing models for every spleen and kidney operation and about half of pancreatic surgeries, enabling surgeons to map complex vascular networks and plan access points for laparoscopic and robotic (da Vinci) procedures. The Objet30 Pro’s 16‑micron layer accuracy delivered the fine vascular detail clinicians needed; the models have been widely adopted by surgeons, reducing unexpected intraoperative risks and helping to streamline preparation and operating-room workflow.

University of Pavia

Ferdinando Auricchio

Department Chair, Civil Engineering and Architecture