3D printing enables rapid creation and manufacture of individual patient models from original designs or medical imaging data. These models can be used for surgical planning, procedural training for residents and medical students, and the design and manufacture of surgical instruments, implants and prostheses. Current availability of this advanced technology permits Rhode Island physicians to utilize 3D printing in multiple, diverse settings to help improve their medical practice and optimize healthcare outcomes.

This lab boasts a full-color, multi-material Stratasys J750 Polyjet 3D printer among its additive manufacturing devices. The lab facilitates multiple collaborations both within and outside of Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University, with services available for use by physicians across all specialties.  Learn more about our state-of-the-art 3D printing lab and its practical usage from this lecture by Dr. Albert Woo.

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How Medical 3D Printing Is Shaping the Future of Surgery

Q&A with Albert S. Woo, MD Forging a New Frontier in 3D Printing during COVID-19 Pandemic

Our faculty staff a NIH-funded lab that has developed AAV-vectors for angiogenic genes in flaps, wounds, tendons, and ligaments.  One of the lab's newest recruit has an RO1 grants investigating epigenetic control of stem cell plasticity in myocytes. Advances in the lab have allowed for the development of a spin out company to take inventions to clinical trials.

We have multiple ongoing clinical research projects related to facial and hand trauma, 3-D printing’s clinical applications, medical education, cleft and craniosynostosis clinical outcomes, among others. Research performed by our Department was the recipient of a research grant from The Plastic Surgery Foundation. Our research is frequently presented at local, regional, and national meetings in plastic surgery.