In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Bill Oxley, a pioneer in veterinary orthopaedics and founder of Vet3D. With thousands of surgical cases and 20 peer-reviewed publications to his name, Dr. Oxley has spent the last decade bringing 3D virtual surgical planning and 3D printing into the veterinary operating room. We discussed how traditional 2D surgical planning fell short and how 3D planning and precise surgical guides have enabled more accurate and personalized procedures. Dr. Oxley shares not just the technical side, but also the emotional wins that make the effort worthwhile, such as the Great Dane with bone cancer who went from being an amputation candidate to running on the beach just weeks after surgery. There were many stories like these throughout Dr. Oxley’s career, and if you are an animal lover or pet owner, this is an episode for you.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed do not constitute medical or financial advice. The technologies and procedures discussed may not be commercially available or suitable for every case. Always consult with a licensed professional.

About Our Guest: Dr. Bill Oxley

Bill graduated from Cambridge University’s veterinary school in 1997 and, after a period in general practice, undertook an orthopaedic surgery Residency between 2009 and 2011. Bill gained his RCVS Diploma in Orthopaedics in 2013 and RCVS Specialist status the following year. Bill founded Vet3D in 2015 to provide orthopaedic and neurosurgical consultancy, as well as patient-specific surgical guide systems and implants. Vet3D has, to date, supplied nearly 4000 PSG systems to surgeons in over 20 countries worldwide. Bill has presented internationally on deformity assessment and CAD-PSG at ACVS (including a keynote presentation), ECVS, BVOA, VA3, SIOVET, and others, and has authored or co-authored 19 papers on these topics as well as other orthopaedic research.

Key Takeaways:

• Facilitated 4,000+ cases using 3D planning and custom printing in veterinary orthopedics

• 3D printed cutting guides improve accuracy, reduce complications, and enable complex surgeries

• Software and 3D printing hardware are essential—but economic and institutional challenges remain

• Surgeons must invest time and training to adopt these technologies successfully

• Pet insurance and corporate vet structures greatly influence patient access

X-Ray of the Podcast:

🩺Dr. Oxley’s Background

• Cambridge University graduate (1997)

• Completed orthopaedic surgery residency (2009–2011)

• RCVS Specialist in Orthopaedics (since 2014)

• Founder of Vet3D (2015)

• Author/co-author of 20+ peer-reviewed papers on surgical planning and guide systems

From 2D to 3D Surgical Planning

• Traditional imaging methods limited surgical accuracy

• Virtual surgical planning allows better visualization and pre-op simulations

• 3D-printed guides allow precise bone cuts and implant placements

• Tools like Horos, Materialise, Autodesk Netfabb, 3-matic, and Geomagic Freeform power the design workflow

⚙️ How Vet3D Works

• Surgeons submit CT scans for complex orthopedic cases

• Oxley’s team creates a virtual plan with precise anatomical mapping

• Custom guides, implants, and bone models are 3D-printed and shipped

• Continuous consultation provided throughout the surgical process

Future of Veterinary Orthopedics

• Patient-specific joint replacements and spinal stabilization

• Long-term vision includes bioprinted tissue scaffolds

• AI-assisted surgical planning is a future possibility, though not yet practical

Transcript:

Gallery:

Resources & Follow-up:

🔗 Selected Published Papers:

1. Feline Shoulder Arthrodesis Using 3D-printed Patient-specific Guides

2. Patient-specific Guides Improve the Accuracy and Safety of Transcondylar Screw Placement—a Cadaveric Study in the Canine Humerus

3. Surgical correction of pes varus deformity in dachshunds using three- dimensional-printed patient-specific guide system: nine tibiae in seven cases (2018-2022)

4. Bilateral shoulder arthrodesis in a Pekinese using three-dimensional printed patient-specific osteotomy and reduction guides

5. Clinical outcomes of 20 brachycephalic dogs with thoracolumbar spinal deformities causing neurological signs treated with spinal stabilization using 3D-printed patient-specific drill guides

6. Analysis of humeral condylar morphology in dogs with and without humeral intracondylar fissure

🖥 Software:

Horos , Materialise, Autodesk Netfabb, 3-matic, Geomagic Freeform

🖨 3D Printer: Formlabs

📖 Book: Principles of Deformity Correction by Dror Paley

Contact Dr. Bill Oxley

📧 bill@vet3d.co.uk

🌐 Linkedin

The post Dr. Bill Oxley On Thinking Veterinary Medicine in 3D (EPISODE #88 Shownotes) appeared first on 3DHeals.

Did someone say dogs?! It’s 3DHEALS’ veterinary 3D printing event, and we’ve had a blast learning from a fantastic panel of veterinary 3D experts. Our speakers are passionate about using 3D printing to get their veterinary patients up and running again. It’s been truly incredible to see some of the results they’ve achieved with their patients, and we’re happy to see how far the field has gone. Here’s a recap of what happened during our event, which you can now watch on-demand through 3DHEALS Courses.

Surgical planning is the key challenge in veterinary 3D printing

Our speakers are turning dreams into reality, and one of them is no stranger to turning his ideas into tangible solutions for veterinary patients using the power of computer-aided design (CAD) software. Bill Oxley, an orthopedic veterinary surgeon who founded Vet3D back in 2015, is focusing on how surgeons can harness CAD software not only to get the designs they want but also to achieve effective surgical planning. Oxley’s message for us was this: while it isn’t necessarily easy to create a model such as a surgical guide in CAD software, 3D surgical planning is the big challenge to overcome. He showed us that he’s been creating 3D-printed models since 2014, and, in many of his past cases, he’s achieved great accuracy in creating 3D-printed surgical guides, even though the prints might be seen as primitive by today’s standards. It’s instead the surgical planning process using CAD that he wants to help surgeons better utilize in their practice.

Oxley notes that deciding where and how to cut the bone during a surgical procedure using CAD software can be tricky. The challenge lies in performing 3D deformity assessments and analyzing the models to decide how to perform the surgery so that surgeons can achieve the best outcome possible for their patients. However, the rewards can be immense with just the right expertise in leveraging CAD for surgical planning. Oxley showed a dog named Rolo with an injured carpus and limb deformity that required the fusion of the joints. Without CAD and 3D-printed surgical guides, this surgery would have been complicated to plan and figure out how actually to cut and fuse the bones. Oxley demonstrated how they used CAD software to plan the surgery, including figuring out the right screw trajectories and designing a guide for pre-drilling holes, and making cuts that would allow for the easy positioning of a plate. They ultimately achieved a straight leg due to the pre-surgical planning stage, and the dog was able to heal quickly through the use of guides.

Watch another of Oxley’s cases below, where he dramatically changed the life of a Great Dane who had osteosarcoma using a custom plate:

3D printing is more than just purchasing CAD software and expecting the puzzle pieces to fall into place. Finding out how best to interact with these 3D technologies really seals the deal. For Oxley, consulting fellow surgeons by using 3D surgical planning to maximize the benefit for the patient is helping the veterinary field grow to new heights. If we want 3D technologies to succeed, we need to think about how we’re going to train people in a time-effective manner, how to make it easier for practitioners to integrate it in their existing workflow, and how we’ll provide support when people need help along the way. Oxley is one of those people who’s making that change by focusing on the people and veterinary patients involved, not just what comes out the printer.

Human vs. veterinary standards: the pros and cons

How can we keep pushing the boundaries of veterinary care? For Mateusz Pawlik, it isn’t just about creating more 3D-printed products but also the standards we uphold when we do it. Pawlik, co-founder of CABIOMEDE, believes that the production of veterinary 3D-printed implants should follow human medical device standards even if there aren’t laws for it. Pawlik notes that safety regulations found in human medicine, such as the requirements put forth by ISO, FDA, and MDR, are not present in veterinary medicine since the veterinary field is sometimes seen as more on the agricultural side rather than medical. He describes how his company follows the standards found in human medicine, such as performing biocompatibility testing, fatigue testing, and precision manufacturing. Rather than telling veterinary surgeons to use the product without any assurance of safety, companies who follow these standards can establish trust with their surgeons that the product was made with quality patient care in mind.

Of course, regulations come with their pros and cons. Without strict obligations, veterinary 3D companies don’t have to worry about the innovation process being slowed down. However, for Pawlik, it’s the integrity of the company and his commitment to doing the right thing even at further costs that can make a company stand out. Building strong relationships with veterinary clinicians is critical, especially since the 3D printing process involves the expertise of CAD engineers, printing technicians, materials researchers, and manufacturers — all of whom now become deeply interconnected with the patient’s care. If we want 3D printing to take on a larger role in veterinary medicine, we should consider how self-imposed validation and safety checks can help increase confidence among everyone involved, bringing people together to more frequently consider 3D printing as a solution and providing assurance to patients of successful outcomes in the long-term.

Imaging quality is what we need

Quality results for patients means giving it the best you’ve got from the very beginning. For Luca Manassero, that means capturing quality CT images for 3D printing workflows. Manassero, a DVM and now a PhD student in Veterinary Sciences at the University of Turin, points out that collaboration is an important part of this process and that it takes everyone — radiologists, surgeons, and engineers — to obtain the desired imaging results to get the job done right. Obtaining quality CT images is important for achieving good segmentation results, which will ultimately be used in the formation of 3D CAD models for designing patient-specific devices. That’s why it’s key for imaging technologists and specialists to be aware of how the images they take will impact downstream tasks. For example, artifacts in the CT images can be created when the patient moves from breathing which can make it harder for engineers and surgeons to design surgical guides down the road.

It also takes ingenuity in the veterinary field given the diversity of species that a clinic might encounter. In the clip below, Manassero shares some examples of the considerations imaging specialists must make when dealing with different patient anatomies to obtain the images desired.

Educating the next veterinary 3D specialists

As 3D printing technology evolves, the training of both experienced veterinary professionals and students will be crucial to keep 3D printing moving forward in this field. Manassero notes that from his perspective in Italy, 3D printing in veterinary education is mostly limited to a small batch of interested students. For Oxley, it’s the advanced levels in veterinary education where it makes sense for 3D printing to come up, especially for 3D printing’s utility in complex cases. For 3D printing to thrive in veterinary care, companies and educational institutions need to consider how we can make 3D printing more accessible while still being introduced at an appropriate time for students.

One such company that’s making 3D printing within reach for many is Materialise. Bradley Tumas, an Account Manager for Materialise, describes how the company creates end-to-end solutions for the 3D printing process, allowing users to perform automated segmentation with AI, generate 3D models, and design devices within their software. It goes without saying that this kind of CAD software is a powerful tool for engineers and clinicians who want to focus on creating life-changing devices for their patients rather than building their workflows from scratch. Moving forward, there’s an exciting avenue for 3D innovators to think about how they can contribute to bringing others into this space. How do we provide the necessary tools and training to not only teach others on how to use this technology but also pass along the experience that speakers such as Oxley have gained from understanding the problems and peculiarities of how to make surgical guides? What kinds of training can we make that are veterinary-specific and aware of the cases encountered in the clinic? And how can we make it easier for others to get started in 3D?

The future of veterinary 3D

The future of veterinary 3D is truly bright: Sinan Ulusan, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon and founder of Travmavet and Vimics, shared the variety of cases that his companies and collaborators have been able to reach in the veterinary field. Ulusan describes some of the incredible cases in the clip below and explains that he’s using CNC and additive manufacturing in harmony to create his products.

What is truly special about this speaker panel is the emphasis on collaboration in veterinary 3D printing. We’re venturing into the unknown of discovering how 3D printing can play a role in the veterinary field and tackling the challenges that come along the way. The innovators who will find success are bringing people from different backgrounds together — engineers, technologists, surgeons, researchers, regulatory experts, and more — to address the needs of veterinary medicine.

We hope to see you at our future events live to hear from all these different perspectives and engage in the conversation. Subscribe to 3DHEALS to stay up-to-date.

About the Author: 

Peter Hsu is an editorial intern for 3DHEALS.  He is currently an undergraduate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and studies bioengineering with a focus on cell and tissue engineering.  He is also minoring in computer science with interests in artificial intelligence and image processing.  Peter conducts research on using computer vision methods to analyze human tissue images and improving the robustness of machine learning workflows.  He is interested in the use of AI to assist tissue engineering and bioprinting research for medical applications.  He is passionate about science communication and leads STEM outreach lessons at schools in the central Illinois area.

Related Links:

Event Recap: Revolutionizing Pet Care With 3D

Event Recap: 3D Microfabrication
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Revolutionizing 3D-Printed Facial Titanium Implants Polishing

Event Recap: 3D Printed Devices In Orthopedics

The post Event Recap: 3D Printing for Veterinarian Medicine appeared first on 3DHeals.

Alexander Tholl is the co-founder and CEO of 3DPets based out of Bloomingdale NJ. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson University with a degree in Industrial Design, a concentration in medical design, and a minor in business. He and his partner, Adam Hecht, developed a repeatable solution for designing and building full-limb replacement prostheses for canines that utilize 3D scanning, 3D printing, and custom software. Theses combined technologies have allowed them to expand into wheelchairs, bracing, and even develop devices for birds all the way to elephants. Alex will be speaking at our upcoming veterinary medicine-focused event.

When was the first encounter you had with 3D printing? What was that experience like? What were you thinking at that moment?

Alexander: College was the first time I was actually introduced and taught about 3DPrinting, this was 2015 on an SLS machine. It was cool to see and understand but I don’t think we really understood the potential at that time. We only used it for prototyping which almost everyone did. About a year later, I was introduced to more conventional FDM and SLA machines and started getting hands-on experience. Again, I was still learning its true potential and how it could be used for the end production of parts.

What inspired you to start your journey?

Alexander: Our company started with a traditional design utilizing 3D printing for prototyping and low-vol production. It wasn’t until late 2020 that we switched our business model to be 3D printing consultants, as manufacturing overseas had really ground to a halt. During this period, we designed and built our first printed prostheses for a canine.

Who inspired you the most along this journey in 3D printing?

Alexander: My partner and I had been introduced to some very successful individuals not in the printing world but their experience and motivational words are what pushed us to become more niche and have set goals.

What motivates you the most for your work?

Alexander: It’s hard not to be motivated when pets are your clients, frankly. Getting to see these pets move again and have the mobility they once did is incredibly inspiring and motivating.

What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were
your solutions?

Alexander: Many of the established 3D printing companies told us that we wouldn’t be able to print large parts using TPU. We had been very discouraged, but being naive and young, we decided to prove them wrong, and we are so glad we did. It came down to combining the suitable materials and machines, it was not rocket science.

What do you think is (are) the most significant challenge(s) in 3D Printing/bioprinting? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?

Alexander: The biggest challenge is consistency in a lot of ways. Since every device we design and build is custom, we have to change print settings to accommodate the custom harnesses, feet, wheels, etc.

If you were granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be?

Alexander:

• Health for myself, friends, and family.
• Business prosperity
• Early retirement

What advice would you give to a bright, driven college student in the “real world”? What bad advice have you heard that they should ignore?

Alexander: Network network network! It was the absolute best thing we ever did and the action that got us the furthest when it came to business and working with the right people. Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do something unless you have actually tried it yourself; there are lots of doubters in this world. Prove them wrong.

What’s your favorite book you read this year and why? Alternatively, what’s your favorite book of all time you read and why?

Alexander: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life is this year’s favorite. My favorite book of all time is Fast n’ Loud by Richard Rawlings. It’s an amazing book about overcoming doubt, and hardship, and how life changes always.

Related Links:

Interview with Dr. Yu-Hui Huang: NextGen Medical 3D Printing

Interview with Dr. Johnny Uday: 3D Printing for Animals
Guide on 3D Printing for Veterinarian Care.

3D Printing for Veterinary Medicine (On Demand, 2022)

3D Printing in Veterinary Practice (On Demand, 2021)

The post Interview with Alexander Tholl: CEO, 3DPets appeared first on 3DHeals.

Yu-Hui Huang: Formally trained in Biomedical Visualization and Clinical Anaplastology, I am completing my Radiology residency with the Nuclear Medicine pathway, followed by a Neuroradiology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. I am also an adjunct faculty at the University of Illinois at Chicago Graduate Biomedical Visualization Program, where I teach 3D Printing with Data Segmentation for Medicine and Pathophysiology for Biomedical Visualization. I seek to combine art, medicine, and technology, specifically medical imaging and 3D printing, to improve patient care and outcomes. Dr. Huang will be speaking at our upcoming event, focusing on how to use 3D printing to take care of our pets.

When was the first encounter you had with 3D printing? What was that experience like? What were you thinking at that moment?

Yu-Hui Huang: I was first introduced to 3D printing during my Clinical Anaplastology training in 2012 when I assisted our craniofacial surgeons with virtual surgical planning using patient’s medical imaging data for implant retained prosthetic treatment and 3D printed patient-specific anatomic models and surgical guides.

I saw firsthand how 3D printing improved the patient’s surgical plan, patient education about her condition and treatment options, as well as education for the residents to simulate the operation beforehand and the ability to transfer the surgical plan into the OR with a sterilized guide and anatomic model as intraoperative reference.

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What inspired you to start your journey?

Yu-Hui Huang: I fell in love with the value 3D printing technology could offer to improve patient care and outcomes. I then decided to pursue radiology to understand better how medical imaging data can be further optimized for 3D applications, as most current diagnostic imaging protocols are suboptimal.

Who inspired you the most along this journey in 3D printing?

Yu-Hui Huang: My patients, and my mentors in the graduate biomedical visualization program, clinical anaplastology, and craniofacial reconstructive surgery. My collaborators, as well as all those who supported me along the way, including RSNA 3DSIG, my current radiology mentors, colleagues, and students.

What motivates you the most for your work? 

Yu-Hui Huang: Improving patient care and outcome as well as enhancing healthcare and patient/family education.

What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were your solutions? 

Yu-Hui Huang: Establishing a centralized institutional clinical 3D printing and visualization service with billing and reimbursement of 3D technologies for clinical applications, which I am still actively working on. 

What do you think is (are) the biggest challenge(s) in 3D Printing/bio-printing? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?

Yu-Hui Huang:

• Scalability and Cost: Scaling up production and reducing costs for 3D printed products, especially in healthcare applications, is a significant challenge. Making these technologies more accessible requires overcoming economic barriers and obtaining for patient outcome data. 
  Potential Solution: Participation in the ACR-RSNA 3D Printing Registry, research into cost-effective materials and printing processes, and advancements in automation and optimization of production workflows can contribute to scalability and cost reduction. Public-private partnerships and strategic investments can also promote progress in this area.
• Regulatory and Ethical Concerns: The regulatory landscape for 3D printing, particularly in the medical field, is continually evolving. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed products is a complex challenge.
  Potential Solution: Establishing clear regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and standards for 3D printing technologies can help navigate these challenges. Collaboration between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and ethicists is crucial to developing comprehensive and responsible regulations.
• Material Limitations: The range of materials available for 3D printing is currently limited. Finding suitable biocompatible materials that mimic the complexity and functionality of biological tissues remains a challenge.
  Potential Solution: Ongoing research and development of innovative material compositions can expand the capabilities of 3D printing and bioprinting. Collaboration between materials scientists, biologists, and engineers is essential for progress.

If you are granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be? 

Yu-Hui Huang:

• Accessible and Sustainable 3D Printing: Develop cost-effective and environmentally sustainable 3D printing processes and materials. This would make 3D printing more accessible, particularly in healthcare applications, by reducing production costs and minimizing the environmental impact associated with these technologies.
• Limitless Material Versatility: Ability to 3D print a diverse range of materials, including advanced biomimetic substances, enabling the replication of intricate biological structures and fostering innovation in various industries.
• Unprecedented Precision and Speed: Advancements in 3D printing technology for unparalleled precision, speed, and scalability. This would expedite production processes, making 3D printing more efficient and accessible across different applications.

What advice would you give to a smart driven college student in the “real world”? What bad advice you heard should they ignore? 

Yu-Hui Huang:

• Stay Curious and Inquisitive: 3D printing is a rapidly evolving field. Explore new technologies and keep up with the latest developments. Attend industry events, read research papers, and engage with professionals to broaden your understanding.
• Hands-On Experience: seek out hands-on experience via internships, personal projects, or involvement in campus initiatives for valuable practical skills.
• Network: Connect with professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts in the 3D printing community. Attend conferences, join online forums, and participate in networking events to build a strong professional network.
• Ignore the Fundamentals: Avoid the temptation to skip the basics in favor of more advanced techniques. A strong foundation is essential for tackling complex challenges effectively.
• Isolating Yourself: Don’t isolate yourself from other disciplines. Collaboration is often key in innovative projects. Engage with individuals from various backgrounds to gain a holistic perspective on problem-solving.
• Underestimating Soft Skills: Don’t underestimate the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability, which are just as crucial as technical expertise. Develop a well-rounded skill set to thrive in professional environments.

What’s your favorite book you read this year and why? Alternatively, what’s your favorite book of all times you read and why?

Yu-Hui Huang: “Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers” by Mary Roach is my favorite book of all time. It explores a subject that might be considered taboo or unsettling for some – the fate of human cadavers. Mary Roach approaches this subject with curiosity and a sense of adventure, providing one with a fresh and unconventional perspective. “Stiff” delves into various disciplines, including anatomy, forensics, medicine, and history. The interdisciplinary approach offers a comprehensive and interconnected view of the topic. Roach humanizes scientific research by focusing on the individuals involved, including scientists, medical professionals, and donors, making the content relatable and helps one connect with the people behind the scientific endeavors.”Stiff” has a knack for sparking curiosity. Roach’s exploration of unusual and thought-provoking questions related to human cadavers encourages one to think critically about the world of science and the intricacies of the human body. Ultimately, the appeal of “Stiff” lies in Mary Roach’s ability to blend information, humor, and a captivating narrative, making it a favorite for those interested in science, anatomy, and the quirks of the human experience.

Related Links:

Believe in Your Science: Dr. Orquidea Garcia, JNJ

Interview with Isabella Bondesson: Bioprinting for Drug Development

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Interview with Dr. Nicole Black: 3D-Printed Biomimetic Eardrum Grafts

Interview with Jade Myers: Designing 3D Printed Prosthetics

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The post Interview with Dr. Yu-Hui Huang: NextGen Medical 3D Printing appeared first on 3DHeals.

Want to write a piece for 3DHEALS Expert Corner? Email us: info@3dheals.com

As clinical educators, we train medical and veterinary students and residents in basic and advanced clinical procedures.  The educational dilemma that exists for medical educators is how do we train students to attain competency in high-risk procedures?  Traditionally the training model has been a mentor – trainee relationship with students progressively learning and then mastering more complex clinical techniques through observation and under direct supervision in clinical patients over time.

Clinical education standards are evolving and there are requirements to document clinical competency through objective assessment rather than the demonstration of a prescribed number of cases in a case log.  This is a positive and long overdue evolution.

Training of medical or veterinary students on animals or humans for higher-risk procedures poses a potential risk to patients through longer procedure times and causes anxiety for students.  

Access to animals and cadaveric materials for use in teaching is increasingly difficult, due to ethical and cultural controversies, expense, and health and safety considerations.  

An example of a higher risk advanced procedure is performing a bronchoscopy.  Bronchoscopy involves placing a flexible endoscope into the airways to allow direct visualization and systematic investigation of the airway and sample collection.  During this procedure, adverse effects on breathing and oxygenation can occur, so the procedure must be completed in a timely manner which means limited opportunity for residents to develop the skills required to become competent.  In small animals or pediatric patients, small airway diameter and pre-existing pathology can result in rapid desaturation.

Training using physical models allows students to do practiced, repetitive-training of specific clinical skills with real-time guided direct mentor input and feedback in a safe learning environment. Lower-fidelity models are suitable for the development of basic motor and procedural skills.  The ideal clinical procedural trainer should affordable, realistic, easily stored, reusable, without the biohazard risks of animal parts, and as technically challenging as real patients. 

More advanced or higher-risk procedures require higher-fidelity models, such as virtual reality simulation, may more closely replicate the patient anatomy and clinical scenario, but are significantly more expensive.

Using 3D printed training models, technical skills can be acquired, practiced, and improved before procedures are done in people or animals.  3D models can be produced to have normal and pathological simulation scenarios to encompass the full range of procedural practice and intended learning objectives. 

We have created a 3D printed canine bronchoscopy training model at the Austin Hospitals 3DMed Lab from a thoracic CT scan of a dog.   The airway was segmented from these scans via 3D Slicer and then uploaded to Meshmixer, where further manual adjustments were made. The resultant STL was uploaded to Cura and printed with an Ultimaker S5 with white poly-lactic acid and poly-vinyl acetate support. An iterative feedback process from clinical educators and students was used to refine the model.  Features included from this feedback included: dyeing the model with red synthetic fabric dye to better replicate mucosa, including a dorsal tracheal membrane for orientation and making slight adjustments to the angle of the airways to facilitate navigation. Face and content validation of the model was conducted with 7 participants of varying experience.

The model will be introduced into clinical teaching for veterinary medicine residents in 2020.  Residents will be able to practice endoscope manipulations required to perform a standardized complete bronchoscopy examination, so they will be well prepared for doing these procedures in clinical patients.

About the Author:

Dr. Stewart Ryan, BVSc(Hons), MS, Diplomate ACVS, Founding Fellow ACVS (Surgical Oncology), Senior Lecturer and Head of Small Animal Surgery service, UVet veterinary Hospital , Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences

Stewart is a specialist veterinary surgeon at the Melbourne Veterinary School who loves exploring ways to make surgical treatments less invasive and make complex procedures more understandable for pet owners and students through advanced technologies including minimally invasive surgery, interventional radiology and 3D models for training and education. 

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The post 3D Printed Bronchoscopy Simulator for Medical and Veterinary Training appeared first on 3DHeals.