3D System : ’ Medical Workflow Enables OpHeart’s Mission with 3D Printed Anatomical Models for Pediatric Heart Surgeries

'From a surgeon's perspective, the incorporation of 3D printing into our craft is enabling tremendous breakthroughs,' said Dr. Jorge Salazar, chief of pediatric and congenital heart surgery at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital (Houston, Texas), and a member of the OpHeart Board of Directors. 'The full color 3D printed models provided by 3D Systems have enabled us to achieve outcomes previously considered unobtainable. Their expertise and technology are helping us advance treatment and improve patient outcomes.'

Dr. Salazar is renowned for redefining success for CHD cases and patients previously deemed inoperable. For example, Dr. Salazar has developed the Texas One-Step, performing complex repairs in one surgery instead of the conventional protocol of multiple surgeries, resulting in improved patient care and less hardship for families.

The Heart-in-Hand initiative is of utmost importance in saving children's lives, as there is no insurance reimbursement for these tools. 'It is our hope that as more surgical teams work with OpHeart to employ 3D Systems' anatomical models in their CHD surgeries, we will be able to definitively demonstrate what is common sense- providing doctors the ability to better prepare for complex surgeries makes a meaningful, measurable difference in the lives of these children,' added Garcia. 'Hopefully, they will become the standard of care, as insurance companies recognize their value and reimburse for their use.'

For more information on 3D Systems' anatomical modeling service, please visit the company's website.

Forward-Looking Statements

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About 3D Systems

3D Systems is the originator of 3D printing and an innovator of future 3D solutions. It has spent its 30-year history enabling professionals and companies to optimize their designs, transform their workflows, bring groundbreaking products to market and drive new business models. This is achieved with the Company's best of breed digital manufacturing ecosystem. It's comprised of plastic and metal 3D printers, print materials, on demand manufacturing services and end-to-end manufacturing software solutions. Combinations of these products and services address a variety of advanced applications- ranging from Aerospace, Automotive, and Consumer Goods to Medical, Dental, and Jewelry. For example, 3D Systems' precision healthcare capabilities include simulation, Virtual Surgical Planning, and printing of medical and dental devices as well as patient-specific surgical instruments. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.