We’re proud to see 3D models by Axial3D featured by BBC News and BBC South Today alongside the incredible team at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, showcasing how advanced 3D modeling is transforming the way surgeons — and families — prepare for complex heart surgeries.
In the story, the BBC follows Dr. Tara Bharucha, Paediatric and Foetal Cardiologist, and Mr. Nicola Viola, Congenital Cardiac Surgeon, as they use Axial3D’s technology to convert standard medical scans into highly accurate, patient-specific 3D models. These models allow Tara, Nicola, and their surgical team to visualize each child’s unique anatomy in precise detail before entering the operating room — helping them plan every step of surgery with greater clarity and confidence.
For many of the young patients treated at Southampton, these surgeries are life-changing — and the ability to hold an exact replica of their own heart can also be life-affirming. Beyond the operating theatre, 3D models have become a powerful communication tool for families. Parents can see and understand their child’s condition in a way that 2D scans could never fully convey. For families facing the uncertainty of major cardiac surgery, that understanding provides comfort and reassurance — and helps them feel more involved in their child’s care.
As Dr. Bharucha and Mr. Viola explain, 3D models can reveal subtle structural differences that might be missed on traditional imaging. These insights help the team identify the safest surgical approach and prepare for potential challenges before the operation begins. For the patient, that translates into shorter surgery times, reduced risk, and more predictable outcomes.
These life-changing models are made possible in part thanks to Wessex Heartbeat, the charity that helps fund patient-specific 3D heart models for children at Southampton, ensuring every patient has access to this cutting-edge technology.
This collaboration between Dr. Bharucha, Mr. Viola , Wessex Heartbeat, and the Axial3D team is an inspiring example of how AI-powered 3D modeling is reshaping not just surgical planning, but the entire care experience — from surgeon preparation to family understanding. It represents a growing shift in healthcare toward truly personalized, patient-centered care — where technology enhances both precision and compassion.
