3D printed vascular models for advanced medical education - IVC filter retrieval

[Dr. Mike]

I recently returned from the 2016 Society of Interventional Radiology conference in Vancouver. There was a lot of discussion about 3D printing. One of the novel applications was use of embodi3d 3D printed vascular models to train physicians on advanced techniques in IVC filter retrieval. I was in charge of providing 3D printing support for the workshop, which was run by Will Kuo from Stanford. Millions on IVC filters are implanted yearly to protect patients from potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. When the risk has passed however, they need to be removed, and that can be difficult if they have been in for a while and have scarred into place. 

 

Innovative retrieval techniques have been developed, but they are difficult to practice. By using 3D printed vascular replicas, these techniques can be taught en masse on a benchtop, without having to put a real patient at risk and without having to use x-ray radiation or maintain sterility. We taught 75 physicians these advanced techniques in 1.5 hours and they had the opportunity to try the techniques out with real equipment in anatomically accurate vascular replicas. It was a great experience!