Stratasys 3D Printing helps facilitate a groundbreaking transplant surgery performed at NYU Langone Health

Finding a compatible donor for organ transplant can be challenging. Finding a donor for facial and limb transplants raises the stakes even higher.

Not only do the biology and physical structures between the patient and the donor need to be compatible – but the donor’s family must be willing to make the dramatic sacrifice during their time of loss and grieving.

In 2020, NYU’s 3D printing facility LaGuardia Studio, and NYU Langone Health’s Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery collaborated for a groundbreaking face and double arm transplant surgery. Stratasys, a leading manufacturer of 3D printers was also a partner in the process.

When the time for the transplant came, LaGuardia Studio 3D scanned and printed a lifelike mask and arms for the donor utilizing Stratasys J750 3D printers. These high precision printers were able to create 3D printed prosthetics made of a strong and flexible skin-like material. Stratasys specifically engineered the new material to hold it’s form and look convincingly life-like — the goal being to restore the donor’s identity and provide comfort to their family.

The surgery was a success and the recipient, Joe DiMeo is grateful for the gift of independence and mobility that the donor and their family chose to give.

Learn more about this amazing story and the value of medical 3D printing and Stratasys Digital Anatomy Printers (DAP).

Photo courtesy of The Download.