Visualization Tools in Radiology: A RRA Perspective on Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and 3D Printing

Advancements in three-dimensional (3D) visualization technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and 3D printing, are opening new avenues for innovation within radiology. These tools enable immersive educational experiences, patient-specific procedural planning, and improved communication across interdisciplinary teams. In medical education, virtual and augmented reality have shown measurable benefits for both cognitive and procedural skills, providing scalable and cost-effective alternatives to traditional approaches. Similarly, 3D printing has advanced anatomical education, procedural preparation, and patient engagement through the creation of tangible, individualized models. Despite these promising applications, challenges such as time-intensive workflows, financial constraints, and the need for technical expertise continue to limit widespread clinical integration. Radiologists, with their expertise in image acquisition, segmentation, and interpretation, are well-positioned to lead adoption and implementation. As part 3 of the Radiology Research Alliance (RRA) review series on emerging technologies, this paper explores the applications, benefits, and barriers of visualization tools, emphasizing their growing potential to transform both education and patient care in an increasingly digital and value-driven healthcare environment.