The Nottingham Trent University team scan data of cancer-hit patient organs so that clinicians can rehearse difficult operations on lifelike models.
The aim is for them to become familiar with the hidden complexities of an operation – which are unique from patient to patient – prior to the real surgery.
A prototype 3D-printed model liver – based on an anonymised cancer patient – features the tactile qualities of a real diseased organ, including imitation blood and different tissue hardnesses, such as the blood vessels, liver tissue and the tumour itself.
The model – made from synthetic gels and fibres - even allows surgeons to use real surgical tools to practice endoscopies and laser ablation techniques, during which arteries are resealed by laser to prevent a patient bleeding out during surgery.
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