Using 3D technology to advance treatment options

Bristol 3D Medical Centre is a dedicated centre for in-house medical 3D design and 3D printing – one of the first of its kind in the UK.

North Bristol NHS Trust, which is part of the Bristol NHS Group, opened the innovative new centre to provide technology for the development of bespoke prosthetics and devices. 

The Centre not only provides scientific and technical support to Bristol’s hospitals but also the South West region and the rest of the UK, offering state-of-the-art digital equipment and specialist Reconstructive Scientists’ expertise. 

It hosts a variety of medical device design software, 3D printers, high-performance 3D surface scanners and other advanced technology which is unlocking better treatment options for patients.  

Most of the equipment within the Centre is funded by generous donations to Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of North Bristol NHS Trust. 

The Centre allows healthcare professionals within the local hospital Trusts to access: 

• Processing and manipulation of individual patient data (Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MR), surface scans etc.). 

• Creation of digital and physical 3D medical anatomical models. 

• Digital 3D design of custom-made devices, surgical guides and splints. 

• Digital 3D planning of surgical procedures. 

• Digital 3D planning of osseo-integrated implants for prosthetic retention. 

• Virtual planning and visualisation of patient specific anatomy. 

• Creation of custom surgical moulds. 

• 3D printing custom-made medical devices (such as splints and orthotic helmets). 

• 3D printing custom-made medical implants (such as cranioplasty plates and craniofacial implants, titanium, PEEK and more).