[swederik]

Seems like I should probably use this thread to plug my startup. We are building a web interface for simple 3D modeling from CT and MRI data (https://www.prevuemedical.com/).

Medical modeling software (e.g. Mimics by Materialise, Slicer) is mainly built for biomedical engineers, rather than radiologists. Our goal is to be Tinkercad to their Autocad. 3D Systems also offers Bespoke Modelling (http://www.3dsystems.com/ja/solutions/services/bespoke-model...) but their emphasis is on visually appealing color models rather than accurate tissue segmentation and anatomical reproduction.

We're really at a turning point for physical reproductions of anatomy. One-off cases are turning up all over the world for various surgical planning/training cases but it's not quite clear whether or not they improve outcomes. Some labs and hospitals are doing good work but we need large patient trials to see if physical models actually help reduce operating room time or recovery time. With positive findings hopefully we will see dedicated insurance reimbursements for surgical planning models. Maxillofacial applications are way ahead in this sense.

One thing that's interesting is that the FDA considers 3D printed anatomical models similar to hard copies of X-rays, and so they are not specifically regulated yet. I expect the regulations to become more onerous, though.