Implementing a hospital-based 3D Center in Colombia: clinical, educational and innovation outcomes

Background: Three-dimensional (3D+) technologies, ranging from digital models to 3D printed human anatomies, are increasingly used in medicine to enhance clinical services. However, their systematic integration into clinical workflows in middle-income countries remains very limited; there is scarce evidence regarding measurable impacts. This study describes the implementation of a hospital-based 3D Center in Colombia to assess the usefulness of these technologies in three areas: preoperative planning, medical education, and tool design.

Methods: At a high-complexity hospital in Colombia, we conducted a prospective, mixed-methods descriptive study between 2022 and 2023. All surgical cases referred were screened for eligibility and classified according to service, case complexity, scope (from digital models to printed guides), printing technology (FDM, LCD, PolyJet), model size (small, medium, large by volume), and internal costs. Models were generated from CT or MRI datasets using segmentation software and delivered as digital or 3D printed models. Clinical utility was assessed with Likert scales comparing 2D-based methods versus 3D assisted planning, followed by postoperative surveys. Clinical outcomes evaluated included surgical time, length of hospital stay, intra and postoperative complications, and readmissions. Educational impact was evaluated through surveys, after the implementation of 3D+ technologies in training workshops. Finally, an internal call was conducted to identify institutional needs, these were addressed with tool designs, rapid prototyping, and clinical settings testing.

Results: Of 56 cases referred, 34 were included in the final analysis: 76% for preoperative planning, 6% for clinical education, and 18% for tool design. In preoperative planning, cardiovascular cases represented 54% of them. Compared to conventional methods, physicians reported improved understanding of morphology, pathology, surgical strategy, and complication forecasting when using 3D models (p < 0.01). In patients who underwent reinterventions, 3D-aided procedures were associated with shorter stays in 75% of cases. Educational workshops (n=60) showed an improvement in learning with 3D models versus 2D images alone (p < 0.001). Six customized 3D-printed tools were developed and implemented across clinical services. Since there are no national guidelines nor reimbursements for the use of these technologies in Colombia, all logistics and costs were covered with research grants.

Conclusion: The integration of 3D+ technologies into clinical workflows at a high-complexity hospital in Colombia demonstrated benefits in surgical planning, education, and device innovation. Beyond improving surgeon’s confidence and decision-making, 3D models contributed to reduced hospital stays in re-intervention cases and enhanced diagnostic training. These preliminary results underscore the feasibility of implementing 3D+ services in resource limited settings, advancing equity in access to cutting-edge healthcare.