3D Systems DDD recently expanded its portfolio with a cardiovascular anatomical model product line to help medical professionals improve cardiology training and surgical planning routines. Cardiology training modules for “ANGIO Mentor VR simulator” are an integral part of this new product line, which is aimed at producing better visuals of a patient’s cardiovascular anatomy.
3D Systems has successfully assimilated multiple medical procedures such as surgical simulation, training, planning and printing of anatomical models, which in turn, will offer a comprehensive “digital thread” for doctors. The company’s ColorJet Printing technology is already deployed widely for replicating realistic and clear visuals of heart, making it easier to detect congenital heart defects.
3D Systems’ ANGIO Mentor endovascular training simulator will keep cardiologists updated about advanced treatment procedures by providing useful insights on critical cases such as Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion and Coronary Bifurcation. Most importantly, they can create anatomical models as per individual needs by incorporating unique inputs from a patient’s CT or MR scans, which can be utilized later for multiple purposes such as pre-surgical planning tools, educational resources and implants.
Moreover, “Stereolithography”, an advanced 3D printing technology pioneered by 3D Systems, is gaining popularity in surgical procedures and implants, thereby unlocking fresh opportunities in this domain. The company has also partnered with hospitals like St. Louis Children’s Hospital for developing personalized medicines to help improve patient outcomes.
According to Markets and Markets, 3D printing medical devices is a thriving industry that is projected to grow 25.3% during 2015–2020, and will be worth $2.13 billion by 2020. Year to date, on a geographical basis, North America accounts for the highest revenues as well as market share in 3D printing, closely followed by Europe. Currently, Stratasys Ltd. SSYS is the key player in the 3D medical devices market, followed by 3D Systems, Materialise NV MTLS and Arcam.
However, despite the surging popularity of 3D printing in the medical industry, we believe the hefty price tag of 3D printing techniques as well as scarcity of skilled professionals will pose as headwinds against the market traction of 3D Systems’ offerings. Moreover, unfavorable macroeconomic factors including economic slowdown, inflation and currency fluctuations, which had caused this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock to withdraw its 2015 guidance, may continue to bother its financials, going forward.
A better-ranked stock in the industry is Alphabet Inc. GOOGL, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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