Cook Children's 3D Lab

In-house medical printing for children's surgeries

Imagine holding a perfect replica of your child's heart in your hands. It doesn't actually beat, but it still captures every detail for you to explore. Now think how that kind of model could help a surgeon as they prepare to work on your child's heart.

Our 3D Lab is just one example of how medicine meets imagination at Cook Children's. We began with Cardiology, then moved into a range of specialties. In addition to highly detailed heart models, we create precise, unique copies of spines, facial features and more. These models help surgeons study your child's body in ways no other technology allows.

Our 3D models are especially helpful for surgeries that are more complicated - and traditionally less predictable. Modeling now gives our team the upper hand, for safe, effective treatment. Our surgeons can map out a clear plan before entering the operating room, providing your child with better, more reliable results.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing builds realistic, three-dimensional objects. While traditional printers put ink on paper, 3D printers use other materials to build shapes. They do so layer by layer.

Technology-driven fields use 3D printing in many ways. NASA uses it to build replacement parts on the International Space Station. The automotive industry uses it to quickly and efficiently test and refine new designs. For health care, 3D printing brings a similar level of innovation.

We create each medical 3D model using a three-step process:

Capturing the image: The best 3D models come from CT or MRI scans made specifically for that purpose. (For that reason, we may not be able to use your child's previous imaging.)
Creating a virtual model: We use software to turn the images into virtual 3D models that we can view on a regular computer. Our lab tailors each virtual model to the surgeon's needs.
Refining the 3D model: Surgeons can use virtual reality (VR) to refine the models. They put on special headsets and control the models the same way you might use VR to play a video game. Using VR can help our surgeons gain a greater understanding of your child's unique anatomy.
Printing the physical model: Once the surgeon approves the 3D computer model, we print the first physical model. We may make extra models with different colors to highlight specific features. At times, we may turn to an even more specialized printer. It makes models that feel like they're actually made of bone or tissue, taking lifelike to a new level.

Why medical 3D printing matters for your child

3D models give us a one-of-a-kind view into your child's anatomy - beyond what we'd get with traditional images. These models help your child's surgeon:

Understand: Surgeons can't always anticipate everything they'll find during a complicated procedure. With the models, they're more likely to uncover any surprises before getting started.
Plan: The models give surgeons details they need before they step into the OR. These insights help create a more thorough plan for surgery. Surgery teams may also use models to practice a procedure ahead of time. Some surgeons even take models into the OR to use as a guide.
Explain: The models are a great learning tool. Doctors use them to explain health conditions and treatments to families. Many parents say seeing a 3D model helps them truly understand their child's condition.
Deliver: The models help us provide the best surgical care possible. Better preparation can reduce surgery and anesthesia time and lead to improved results for your child.

About the 3D Lab

The 3D Lab opened in 2017 as a way for our heart surgeons to quickly get tailored medical models. It quickly grew to include other specialties, with models of the heart, spine, face and skull currently made. By working directly with doctors, we develop unique models for some of the most challenging pediatric conditions.

Our lab has only begun to tap the potential of 3D modeling in health care. We'll continue to find new and creative ways to use 3D printing to improve care. Learn more about the types of 3D surgery models we use.

Meet Ivy

See how we made a difference for Ivy, our first 3D Lab heart patient at Cook Children's.

Keeping Our Promise: Cook Children's Heart Center 3-D Approach Lab

Get more information about 3D medical models

Call us at 682-885-2140 to schedule an appointment, refer a patient or speak to our staff. We're always happy to answer your questions.

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Donate to the 3D Lab

The 3D lab is currently funded solely through philanthropy. Donate today to help children receive the latest advances in surgery.