Bio3DModel and SolidWorld GROUP create a new 3D aortic simulator for endovascular access
Aortic simulator 100% made in Italy
SolidWorld Group SpA. the company at the head of the Group leader in the sector of three-dimensional digital technologies, industrial 3D printing, advanced printing services in the aerospace and automotive sectors, announces that it has developed a new prototype of an aortic simulator for endovascular access, completely in 3D. A tool capable of faithfully replicating the structures of the aorta and the pathologies of a patient starting from diagnostic images (CT and MRI).This is a unique biomedical 3D printing project in the world and 100% Made in Italy, created in the Bio3DModel technological hub in Barberino Tavarnelle (FI) led by Eng. Giovan Battista Semplici, with the most advanced medical 3D printing systems.
How the aortic simulator works
Using additive technology, the aortic simulator creates a faithful reproduction of the vascular structure from the aorta to the femoral arteries. Starting from diagnostic images (for example, the results of a CT scan), the software processes the information and transmits it to the 3D printer (model: Stratasys J750 Digital Anatomy), which prints a perfect copy of the vascular structures using photosensitive resins specific for the biomedical sector. The aortic simulator can be used to perform surgical training. Doctors can therefore be adequately prepared for endovascular access operations, being able to perform intervention tests directly on the reproduction of the arterial structures, to arrive at positioning a stent inside the aorta, in the area where the aneurysm is present, with the aim of restoring normal blood circulation in the artery.
Comments from those who worked on the project
"This is a unique project in the world and 100% Made in Italy. The collaboration between 3D printing and the medical world is increasingly close and allows us to achieve extraordinary results, in particular, in the field of research and experimentation. In this case, this new technology allows us to provide new tools also for the training of new surgeons in the treatment of an unfortunately serious and widespread pathology such as cardiovascular aneurysm".
The aortic simulator was developed by Bio3DModel in collaboration with Dr. Emiliano Chisci, of the San Giovanni di Dio Hospital in Florence. A project that also sees the participation of the Department of Physics of the University of Milan and Dr. Francesco Cavaliere
"This is a truly innovative project, which, despite being at the beginning, is already giving really satisfying feedback and results. For a doctor, being able to have a realistic simulator from both a morphological and biomechanical point of view is essential. Thanks to the constant collaboration with Bio3DModel and its medical 3D printing technologies, the first prototype was already a big step forward, compared to the tools used in the past for the treatment of the same type of pathology".
The role of 3D models
Realistic 3D models have, and will have even more in the future, a central role in the field of surgery, both from a didactic-educational and formative point of view. Simulators are therefore very useful for increasing medical-surgical skills and for allowing training in certain specializations, such as cardiovascular or abdominal. Practicing on a simulator, before on the patient, is essential. Having the possibility of preparing, practicing and comparing oneself with other doctors, starting from a realistic simulator, allows not only to improve medical-surgical skills, but above all to reduce the times of intervention and consequently also the risks for patients and the costs of hospitalization.
Why is it important to invest in 3D models?
“Having, for example, the ability to cut and suture the simulations created thanks to medical 3D printing is a very important factor. Furthermore, the aorta model created in collaboration with Bio3DModel is even more realistic, as it is surrounded by a transparent gel that mimics the surrounding anatomy, so as to approach a real simulation of endovascular access on the patient”.
The excellent results were also achieved thanks to materials designed for realistic reproductions of human anatomy.
