Stratasys has announced that Austrian medical training and innovation company, Addion, together with Eyecer.at, has adopted a Stratasys Digital Anatomy Solution to create Europe’s first 3D-printed anatomical eye models for eyelid surgery training.
The solution, already implemented by the Anatomical Institute of the University of Innsbruck, enables surgeons and medical students to practice delicate procedures with exceptional accuracy and realism, supporting better outcomes for both patients and trainees.
Using Stratasys’ PolyJet 3D printing technology, Addion can reproduce the intricate anatomy of the human eye and surrounding tissues – including skin, muscle, and fat layers – with lifelike precision. The technology also enables the simulation of rare or complex pathologies, giving trainees the opportunity to develop their skills across a broader range of real-world surgical scenarios, from reconstruction of injured or surgically impacted eyelids to elective procedures that improve patient aesthetics.
“We can now simulate rare and complex pathologies in a way that is ethical, reproducible, and remarkably realistic,” said Alexander Hechenberger, CEO and Founder of Addion. “By eliminating the need for cadavers or animal models, medical institutions no longer require chilled facilities, while benefiting from safe, consistent, and cost-effective training, without sacrificing the quality of the model. The realism we achieve, you can see it, feel it, and scale it anywhere in the world with the same reliability, is democratising surgical education, making it more accessible than ever.”
Addion’s use of Stratasys solutions pushes the boundaries of medical simulation even further. By incorporating dynamic features such as simulated blood flow within printed tissue, the company is helping surgeons experience the tactile and visual challenges of real procedures in a controlled, repeatable environment.
“Digital Anatomy additive manufacturing combines material science and medical insight to replicate the true behaviour of human tissue,” said Erez Ben Zvi, VP Healthcare at Stratasys. “Addion’s work with the University of Innsbruck exemplifies how advanced simulation can improve both surgical performance and patient care – helping medical organisations train more efficiently, safely, and at scale.”
Stratasys’ Digital Anatomy Solution is trusted by hospitals, universities, and medical device manufacturers around the world to produce advanced 3D-printed models for training, patient education, device testing, and preoperative planning. By enabling ethical, consistent, and scalable training environments, it is helping healthcare institutions reduce costs, eliminate logistical barriers, and accelerate learning.
The Addion eyelid surgery models, along with other medical applications powered by Stratasys Digital Anatomy technology, will be featured live at Formnext, November 18-21st in Frankfurt (Hall 12.1, Booth D 121). Visitors are invited to join Stratasys experts for hands-on demonstrations and discussions about the future of medical 3D printing.
