Surgeons Enhance Precision with 3D Printing at USF Health

Surgeons at **USF Health** and **Tampa General Hospital** are adopting advanced **3D printing** technology to significantly enhance the preparation for complex surgical procedures. By creating detailed replicas of patients’ organs from digital medical scans, these models provide surgeons with valuable insights before they enter the operating room. This innovative approach helps improve surgical outcomes by allowing for detailed preoperative planning.

Inside the **Tampa General Hospital–USF Health 3D Medical Visualization and Printing Lab**, specialized printers construct accurate models of various organs, including aortas, kidneys, and jawbones. These physical representations enable surgeons to visualize and rehearse procedures on an exact copy of the anatomy they will encounter. According to **Devid Zille**, director of the lab and assistant professor of radiology in the **USF Health Morsani College of Medicine**, “We’re able to materialize what surgeons only see on screens. Holding the model in their hands, they can rotate and see if there are any difficulties that they will encounter during surgery.”

Anatomical variations among patients can have a substantial impact on the success of complex procedures. Access to patient-specific models allows surgeons to devise clear strategies and anticipate potential challenges. This heightened level of preparation often leads to shorter surgeries, fewer complications, and improved patient outcomes.

The value of this technology is particularly evident in the work of **Dr. Fadi Matar**, director of the **TGH Heart & Vascular Institute’s Research & Innovation Center** and chief of cardiology in the **USF Health Morsani College of Medicine**. Matar has been utilizing 3D printing for nearly a decade, particularly in high-risk structural cardiac interventions. He highlights the models’ role in identifying risks such as **coronary artery occlusion** during valve replacement procedures. By analyzing a 3D-printed model of a patient’s heart, Matar can assess whether further protective measures are necessary before surgery. “With these models, we can actually see how a patient’s coronary arteries relate to the valve we’re about to implant,” Matar explained.

Beyond enhancing surgical procedures, the **3D Innovations Lab** is also transforming medical education. At the **USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS)**, director **Melissa Milner** has developed fetal models to prepare surgeons for intricate operations, such as those required for **spina bifida**. This birth defect results in improper development of the spine and spinal cord, potentially leading to paralysis and significant disabilities. Early surgical intervention can dramatically improve outcomes, but it demands exceptional precision.

Milner’s team initially created silicone fetal models, but collaboration with Zille expanded their capabilities. Zille implemented 3D printing to create custom cradles for each fetal model, allowing for the simulation of spinal defects at skin level—essential for real surgical conditions. This innovation permits surgeons to practice multiple times without damaging the models. “With the tactile feel, it’s much easier for surgeons to pre-plan cases and visually recognize what they’ll be approaching on the surgical field,” Zille noted.

The collaboration between the **TGH–USF Health Innovations Lab** and CAMLS exemplifies the potential of 3D printing in medical training. Milner believes the possibilities for this technology are vast and will increasingly shape future medical practices. “The uses of this 3D print lab are endless,” she remarked.

As surgical techniques continue to evolve, the integration of 3D printing at **USF Health** and **Tampa General Hospital** stands as a testament to how technological advancements can lead to safer and more effective patient care. By embracing these innovations, healthcare professionals are not only enhancing surgical precision but are also preparing the next generation of surgeons for success in their fields.