Custom Prostheses Bridge Comfort and Affordability Gap
A new Catalan start-up, Pit3D, is preparing to commercialise 3D-printed external breast prostheses designed to offer a balance between comfort, customisation, and cost. The company, spun off from Hospital Parc Taulí in Sabadell, targets a gap in the current market where standard prostheses are uncomfortable and poorly fitted, while fully customised versions can cost up to €3,000. According to data from the Department of Health published on 19 October 2026, 5,630 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in Catalonia in 2025, representing 29% of all cancers diagnosed in women. Around 25% of the 6,000 breast surgeries performed in the region in 2021 were mastectomies, involving full or partial removal of the breast.
Personalised Fit Through 3D Scanning
After a mastectomy, some women choose not to undergo reconstructive surgery, either due to medical advice, waiting lists, or personal preference. For these patients, external prostheses placed in bra pockets are the standard solution. However, current options have significant drawbacks. Fabric prostheses are lightweight but create asymmetry, while silicone models, though more natural in shape, are heavy and non-breathable. Àngels Placeres, researcher at the Breast Pathology Unit of Hospital Parc Taulí and a doctoral student at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, noted that "every woman has a unique breast; not all are the same, and you cannot generalize a woman's body." Inspired by 3D printing applications during the pandemic, she collaborated with Toni Nadal, coordinator of the hospital’s 3D laboratory, to develop a solution.
Lighter, Tailored Prostheses Ready for Market
Pit3D’s prostheses are made using medically certified materials and 3D printing techniques, reducing weight by up to 55% compared to conventional models. The design process involves two 3D body scans: one with a bra to capture the shape of the remaining breast, and one without to map the scar tissue, ensuring a precise fit. Paula Ferrer Raventós, CEO and co-founder of Pit3D, explained that the company avoids hyperrealistic detailing like artificial nipples or skin pigmentation, focusing instead on comfort and scalability. "We move away from hyperrealism and opt for something more scalable, simple, and comfortable, which is what women need." The prostheses are priced between €300 and €350, positioning them as an accessible alternative to high-end custom models. While conventional prostheses are subsidised by Spain’s Social Security system, Ferrer notes these are "technologically obsolete," creating an opportunity for Pit3D to enter public healthcare without increasing overall spending.
Path to Public Healthcare Integration
Pit3D has formalised its business incorporation as of September 2026 and can currently fulfil orders on demand. The company plans an investment round in 2027 to strengthen its commercial team and expand distribution across Catalonia, Spain, and eventually Portugal, France, and Germany. Though the product is not yet medically certified, expert advice has led the team to prioritise market validation before pursuing full clinical approval. Their strategy is to demonstrate user demand and operational viability first, then scale up for integration into the public health system. Ferrer cited the example of New Zealand-based myReflection, which has successfully entered its national healthcare system with a similar model. "For us, it is a validation that it has already been achieved in other countries," she said.
Sources: viaempresa.cat, diaricatalunya.cat.
