3D Printed Surgical Models Market

Market Overview

The global 3D-printed surgical models market was valued at USD 325.4 million in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 1.16 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

3D printed surgical models are used in preoperative planning that allows the preadaptation of surgical instruments and enhances the three-dimensional perception of the planned operation, thus improving precision and shortening operative time. Patient-specific medical models cut hospital costs, prepare doctors, and improve patient outcomes. Growing demand for prototyping from the healthcare industry and intensive research and development activities in the market are expected to boost market growth. In addition, the rising number of surgical procedures, increasing prevalence of chronic disorders, and growing need for customized healthcare products are expected to propel the demand for 3D-printed surgical models.

Market Dynamics

Global 3D Printed Surgical Models Market Drivers

• Increasing Use of 3D-Printed Models in Healthcare Settings

3D printing produces patient-specific anatomical and surgical models, which help surgeons and other surgical staff in effective decision-making, surgery simulation, and accurate surgery planning. 3D printing shortens the duration of the process, which in turn benefits both the patient and the doctor. These benefits of 3D-printed surgical models are anticipated to propel market growth. Easy accessibility to medical CAD/CAM software and the relatively low cost of desktop 3D printers are also expected to enable hospitals to establish 3D printing labs. Furthermore, the availability of R&D grants for developing in-house 3D printing centers in large healthcare organizations and academic hospitals is anticipated to drive market growth.

• Approval for Reimbursement Codes for 3D Printed Surgical Models

In July 2019, American Medical Association approved reimbursement codes for 3D-printed anatomical models and customized surgical tools. These reimbursement codes are anticipated to increase the use and adoption of 3D printing in healthcare and clinical fields. Even though the reimbursement framework is still developing, various stakeholders are working toward achieving permanent codes for 3D printing services. For instance, the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America are collaborating to build a registry for acquiring 3D-printed data in hospitals to document the increasing adoption of these technologies in healthcare settings.

Global 3D Printed Surgical Models Market Restraint

• High Costs associated with 3D Printing

The cost associated with 3D printing can be categorized into four key areas: materials, labor, tooling costs, and post-processing. The initial investment in production equipment increases the associated cost. The initial investment in precision 3D printing equipment can be significant, making purchasing and installing expensive. Furthermore, the materials used in the printing process have higher per-weight prices than traditional manufacturing materials. The post-processing cost of 3D printing accounts for 4% to 13% of the entire production cost. To summarize, the cost associated with 3D printing is high. Hence, it is one of the major restraints for adopting 3D printing in small or medium-sized healthcare settings with budget constraints.

Global 3D Printed Surgical Models Market Opportunities

• Increasing R&D and Investments

Growing research and development investments are aiding the development of biocompatible materials with high-performance properties and the launch of better-performing multi-material printers. Innovation around hardware, software, materials, and processes improves the speed, flexibility, accuracy, and lifelike quality of the end product, thereby anticipated to present opportunities for the production of realistic models. For Instance, engineers at the University of Colorado at Boulder developed a novel technique for 3D printing objects with precise, localized control over their stiffness. The ultimate goal is to use the method to build artificial arteries and organ tissue.

Regional Analysis

The global 3D printed surgical models market is bifurcated into four regions, namely North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America dominates the global 3D-printed surgical model market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.8% over the forecast period. The factors contributing to the high share include the increasing geriatric population, increased adoption of advanced technology, strong government initiatives for quality healthcare, and supportive reimbursement. In addition, the U.S. has the most sophisticated healthcare infrastructure comprising multispecialty hospitals and clinics. There is high adoption of advanced technology in healthcare products and services and high consumer awareness. Well-established healthcare infrastructure in the country, coupled with many surgical procedures, is expected to boost the growth of the 3D-printed surgical model market in the country.

Europe is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.3%, generating USD 237.27 million during the forecast period. Strong government support, the presence of an advanced healthcare system, an increase in the geriatric population, a decline in birth rate, and well-developed healthcare insurance programs have contributed to the substantial market growth in the region. Furthermore, prominent R&D activities undertaken by government agencies and renowned regional institutions support market growth. The U.K. government has undertaken several initiatives, such as establishing Advanced Powder Processes Centre, to transform powder-based technological challenges and tax incentives to foster growth and funding in additive manufacturing technologies. The U.K.'s well-established healthcare infrastructure offers significant opportunities in 3D printed surgical model market.

The Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow due to increasing per capita income, economic development, and a large population's high unmet medical needs in China and India. In addition, the growing use of implants in orthopedic procedures, the rising prevalence of arthritis, and the rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure are supporting market growth. Furthermore, increasing healthcare awareness among individuals and technological advancements in emerging economies are anticipated to contribute to market growth. In China, favorable government initiatives to improve healthcare are expected to propel the 3D-printed surgical model market growth. Additionally, the shortage of healthcare professionals in India creates growth opportunities for technology that can make surgeries easier, faster, and more precise for the medical team.

The market expansion is anticipated to be fueled by an increase in the number of conferences, seminars, symposiums, and lectures held in Latin America to promote and raise awareness about 3D printing in healthcare. As additive manufacturing is in its nascent stages of adoption in the healthcare sector in Latin America, these programs are expected to play a crucial role in the growth of the regional market. The Brazilian healthcare industry is constantly improving and adopting advanced technologies. In the Middle East, the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases, such as renal failure and diabetes, is expected to drive market growth for 3D-printed surgical models over the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global 3D printed surgical models market is segmented by specialty, technology, and material.

Based on Specialty

the global 3D printed surgical models market is divided into orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac surgery/interventional cardiology, gastroenterology endoscopy of esophageal, reconstructive surgery, surgical oncology, and transplant surgery.

The orthopedic surgery segment dominates the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.3% over the forecast period. 3D printing technology is widely used in preoperative planning for orthopedic surgery. The 3D printing technology has widespread implications for research, development, and improving surgical outcomes. They help in increasing precision and reducing operative and post-operative risks. Furthermore, 3D-printed models help surgeons provide better information to their patients about procedures to be done in the operating room. Growing cases of arthritis and fractures will boost the market growth of 3D-printed surgical models over the forecast period.

With accurate physiological and anatomical properties, 3D-printed models serve as customizable, changeable brain representations. These models improve patient education, preoperative planning, and training in neurosurgery. Such models are built based on magnetic resonance images with stereo lithography technology. Continuous efforts are being made to develop 3D-printed brain tumors for training, education, surgical simulation, and planning. The growing number of brain aneurysms is expected to boost segment growth over the forecast period.

3D-printed surgical models are revolutionizing diagnostic and interventional cardiology. The models created with advanced hardware, software, and materials have properties that mimic those of native tissue. Patient-specific 3D printed models help doctors anticipate procedural complications and improvise accordingly. With various cardiac surgeries and interventional cardiology applications, the market for 3D-printed surgical models is projected to expand with a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period.

Based on Technology

the global 3D printed surgical models market is divided into stereolithography, color jet printing, multi jet/poly jet printing, fused deposition modeling, and others.

The Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.7% over the forecast period. FDM is a material extrusion process that uses a continuous filament of composite material or thermoplastic to construct 3D objects. This process uses polymers and plastics to build objects. FDM technology is used in the medical industry for producing medical instruments and devices, rapid prototyping, and exoskeleton.

Stereolithography (SLA) is a laser-based process that uses UV-sensitive liquid resin. Photosensitive liquid resin is solidified using a UV laser beam to build the 3D object layer by layer. It enables the manufacturing of accurate prototypes and complex forms from photosensitive resins. A typical application of SLA technology in the medical device industry is to create patient-specific surgical cutting guides.

Color Jet Printing (CJP) belongs to the binder jetting class of 3D printing technology and mainly involves two major components—core and binder. The process primarily involves jetting a colored liquid binding agent on a bed of fine powder, which is then selectively bonded to produce a full-color 3D model. This technology is simple, relatively inexpensive, and fast to build; thus, these benefits are anticipated to contribute to segment growth.

Based on Material

the global 3D printed surgical models market is divided into polymer, metal, plastics, and others.

The plastics segment is the highest contributor to the market and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.7% over the forecast period. The plastics segment mainly includes thermoplastics, including Polyamide (nylon), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA, acrylic), Polylactic Acid (PLA), Polypropylene, Polystyrene (PS), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG), Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). Plastics have the highest usage as compared to metals and resins. This can be attributed to the fact that ABS, nylon, and polycarbonate-ISO (PC-ISO) are some of the most commonly used thermoplastics in the medical 3D printing industry.

The polymer segment mainly includes photopolymers and thermosetting polymers such as thermosetting epoxy and other 3D printing resins. The introduction of desktop-based printers producing quality prints at relatively lower prices, coupled with a wide range of formulation configurations due to material versatility, is anticipated to facilitate segment growth.

Several metals and metal alloys, such as titanium, stainless steel, shape memory alloys, Inconel, and cobalt, are used in 3D printing. Broad compatibility and a high preference for metals are anticipated to contribute to the segment’s growth. However, the expensive cost of printers, materials, maintenance, and post-processing charges may prevent metal-based 3D printing usage.

Recent Developments

• November 2022- Axial3D started working with Fast Radius, Inc., a digital manufacturing and supply chain company, helping physicians visualize patient anatomy to produce intricate surgical models. Leveraging Fast Radius’ Cloud Manufacturing Platform, Axial3D is creating customized 3D-printed models to improve surgical planning and patient outcomes.
• April 2022- According to a document submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Albany, New York-based startup Lazarus 3D raised USD 6 million. Lazarus 3D creates realistic-looking organs to enable surgeons to practice surgery.