The limitations of traditional medical training models
Because the human body is complex and highly variable, there are limitations to what can be accomplished with animals, cadavers and stock anatomical models.
- Animals only approximate a human clinical experience. They’re also expensive and require a controlled environment.
- Cadavers share these drawbacks, and while anatomically accurate, they don’t retain live-tissue characteristics.
- Stock medical manikins can only represent the average human anatomy.
- None of these options can fully and consistently represent a particular concept or pathology.
Without clinically relevant models, physicians and students miss the full benefit of a hands-on experience. As a result, trainee development takes longer and requires many apprenticeship observations before gaining the requisite skill and knowledge to succeed clinically.
Enhance learning and minimize cost
By bypassing traditional manufacturing steps that make medical training models expensive, multi-material 3D printing can create realistic, accurate and versatile models in less time and at a fraction of the cost.
Provide a memorable, hands-on experience. Simulate everything from soft tissue and muscles to cartilage and bone in a single print job. Include all of the necessary features to convey key concepts, including subtle visual and tactile details.
Customize models to represent specific pathologies. Using real patient data, 3D print medical models that effectively demonstrate the physical characteristics of the targeted pathology. Adapt and customize continuously to prepare physicians for a range of clinical scenarios.
Conduct training anywhere. Because they can be 3D printed directly from CAD data, models can be designed in one place, stored digitally, and printed virtually anywhere to expedite delivery and prevent damage in transit.
Why Stratasys 3D Printing Solutions?
PolyJet Technology
- The unique ability to 3D print multiple materials and colors in a single job for realistic textures and tissue properties.
- Layer resolution of 0.0006 inches (16 microns) for precise details and smooth surfaces.
Stratasys Direct Manufacturing
- On-demand access to a range of traditional and additive technologies, including PolyJet 3D Printing.
- Design expertise and access to our medical experts.