Customize anatomical models Medical Grade 3D Print (MeG3rD),

Is a  for medical treatment strategies. Combining data of a real patient data and tested materials for 3D printing, MeG3rD able to replicate the complexity of an organ’s pathologies  and even part of their textures to simulates a more realistic anatomical structure. This innovation provides an ideal in vivo like environment, perfect for practice of simple to complex medical procedures. The development of this concepts started in 2015 mainly for image guided minimally invasive procedures. Strong feedbacks on the effectiveness for specialists and local medical experts  of the models lead to the idea of commercialization in 2016. Lönge Medikal Sdn. Bhd. formally established and affiliated with InnoHub^®  Universiti Putra Malaysia to augment the commercialization initiative futher.

Issue

Every patient is unique (different), thus unique procedures are required for them. However, to develop skills in medical procedure (especially for complex cases), hours of training are needed (sometimes taking years). Some of the medical procedure training cannot be done realistically because the pathology is different for each patient. For example the tumor in one patient usually different compared to another cancer patient in term of size, shape, location and complexity of the disease. Some training are conducted on cadaver or animal model, but there are limitations such as the case is not real, unable to learn tactile skills, and most important part the training is not specific to patient’s pathology. This situation is the main factor of the development of MeG3rD as it could help improve learning curve for specialist and has potential to be used in pre-procedure planning for daily practice. Since MeG3rD is a replica of real pathology with capability to mimic 1:1 ratio, the medical tools and devices used in real cases can be applied on them as well.

Function

MeG3rD is unique as it helps doctor to experience real medical procedure as it is being conducted on real patient. The materials used are tested to tailor with the needs of a doctor and the 3D printing must able to replicate defect organ (pathology) with different complexity at 1:1 ratio. Both materials and design were given extensive clinical inputs which will ensure the clinical relevant of the 3D prints. For example, MeG3rD : Putra 2 (brain aneurysm model) enable the doctor the cannulate of the “aorta” and “brain vessel” under x-ray guidance (angiography). The doctor can use their usual catheter, tools and other medical devices to reach the abnormal brain vessels and then treat the abnormality. And this can be done in the doctor’s operation suite assisted by their own team. All this factor, will increase their confidence in handling any complex case as their real training are alike with real practice, like bring all of this at their “home”.

Advantages

The technology will enable doctors to have better outcome, safe and less complications. It will also give chance to the doctor to practice first any complex medical procedures before doing it in actual patient. This will reduce time of procedure, and improve outcome of a patient, thus reducing time of stay in hospital. These factors will ultimately reduce the overall medical cost towards patient .

-  Prof. Dr. Ahmad Sobri Muda dan Dr. Yusri Mohammed.

Faculty Of Medicine And Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 11/07/2018 | Updated: 31/05/2019 | asrizam