Biomechanical Tests Confirm the Potential for 3D Printing Suturable Vascular Models with the Stratasys Digital Anatomy Printer
To create the most realistic, patient-specific simulation for surgical training, vascular models must mimic how native tissue responds to pressure, punctures, and stitches. Experiencing the behavior of biological blood vessels during anastomosis is a crucial part of preparing surgeons to treat patients safely and confidently, and materials must be chosen carefully to produce the most accurate anatomical models.
In 2021, researchers at the University of Pavia in Pavia, Italy evaluated the performance of blood vessel models printed on the Digital Anatomy Printer, comparing different material combinations to porcine tissue samples. Their research resulted in a new printing preset for suturable vascular models that mimics vessels’ mechanical response during suturing.
