3D-printed heart and lung models that can bleed, beat and breathe like the real organ, have been developed by researchers from Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
Designed for organ transplant training, the lifelike models reportedly reflect the tactile qualities of a human heart and can be produced with various tissue hardness levels. Using the models, medical professionals can plan surgeries and safely research and teach transplant procedures, without the risk of complications.
The project, which was led by research fellow Richard Arm, leveraged 3D scans of both healthy and diseased human hearts to 3D print the models to a high level of accuracy.
This technology can simulate bleeding like a normal heart to provide clinical simulation training and limited visibility that surgeons must face on the operating table.
Read more about it here.