3D printer creates realistic neurosurgical models for training

A new multi-material 3D printer was used to create realistic, low-cost model of the skull for use by students in practicing neurosurgical techniques. The model uses a variety of materials that simulate the various consistencies and densities of human tissues encountered during neurosurgery.

Neurosurgery is a difficult discipline to master. Trainees may spend as many as 10 years after graduation from medical school developing and honing their surgical skills before they can be designated as proficient in their specialty. The greater the number and variety of neurosurgical training sessions, the better the training experience.

However, the researchers say, it’s difficult to find suitable simulation models that offer accuracy and realism for neurosurgical training while keeping training costs down.

Three-dimensional printers have been used to create models of normal and pathological human tissues and organs for physician training and patient instruction for some time.  Until recently, however, only one material could be used in the creation of models, which is of little value for hands-on training.

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New way to save energy: Disappearing ink

The Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) and parent company Xerox are experimenting with a type of paper and a complimentary printer that would produce documents that fade away after 16 to 24 hours. A restaurant, for instance, could print its daily specials on a piece of paper, attach the pieces of paper to menus, and then collect the sheets of then-blank paper in the morning to run through the printer again.

How does it work? The paper is coated with photosensitive chemicals that turn dark when hit with UV light.

Users don't have to wait for the paper to fade either. By running it through the special printer made for this paper, the printer will erase the old image before putting the new one on.

The paper and printer could hit the market in a few years.

The same sheets of paper can be run through the printer hundreds of time, according to tests conducted by Xerox, said Eric Shrader, area manager, energy systems, device hardware laboratory at Xerox. Typically, the paper isn't reusable only when it gets damaged or crumpled.

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Handheld printing without Ink

Thermal-printing technology developed at Polaroid spinoff Zink Imaging was demonstrated earlier this year. [ see here ] This technology is now built into a pocket-sized printer that can fit into a hand (see pictures left)

Polaroid, the company famous for cameras that print instant pictures, unveiled an ultrasmall photo printer at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. Along with being mobile, it would also dispense with the inconvenience of ink cartridges that unexpectedly begin to run out of ink, and which have to be replaced. Polaroid, says that the printers will be available to consumers by the summer, and they will be priced at less than $150.