113 - The Application of Three-Dimensional Printing Technology to Quickly Replace Expensive Anatomical Models Necessary for Use in a Medical Neuroanatomy Course

Poster Board Number: 113
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Abstract Body : Introduction: Coursework in the anatomical sciences is essential for the education of health profession students. The use of accurate anatomical models is a long-proven method that allows students to view structures that are difficult to see in an anatomical donor dissection. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of models, frequent shipping delays, and items that are back ordered, it is challenging to quickly order and receive models from commercial companies. In this study, we needed to replace damaged models of the ventricles of the brain and sought to answer the question: Can we use Three-Dimensional Printing Technology as a cost effective method to rapidly produce cerebral ventricle models that are accurate and sufficiently detailed for our teaching needs.

Materials & Methods: A search was performed in the “NIH 3D Print Exchange” opensource DICOM database. The desired stereolithography (STL) file was then downloaded and processed through a Slicer software before being taken to the 3D printer. For our model we printed using flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials.

Results: With the help and guidance of the Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College IDEAS Center, we were able to produce customizable cost effective and accurate replacements in time for students to learn & appreciate the ventricular system of the brain. The replacement ventricle system model was produced in under 8 hours versus 16-29 weeks of shipping (SOMSO Ventricular Cavities of the Brain – GTSimulators.com). The cost to make this model had little impact on the department budget. The overall cost per model was less than $3.00 USD for the TPU model compared to commercial products which are priced at $137.00 USD. Once the model was developed it was verified for accuracy using the course textbook and positive feedback was received from the Anatomy teaching team who made comments such as “extremely durable” and “very useful for teaching”.

Conclusion: Due to the prohibitively high cost and long lead time in purchasing and receiving we sought other options. The system we developed was easy and affordable. In 8 hours, we were able to replace the damaged commercially produced model with a new 3D printed model for less than less than $3.00 USD. This saved the department $134.00 USD. This cost effective option will now allow models to be printed faster and cheaper ultimately making our lab more efficient.

Significance: Unfortunately, it is common for plastic anatomical models to break. Replacing commercially available anatomical models is cost prohibitive and time consuming, sometimes taking several months to receive the new model. Using publicly available STL data files and Three-Dimensional Printing Technology we were able to cost effectively produce models specific to our needs and ensure we have the necessary models available for our students.