Surgeons today learn their craft by practicing surgeries on cadavers and living patients, but it’s rare that they get the opportunity to practice outside of a clinical environment. This can cause a lack of understanding of potential complications prior to surgery, and surgeries not going ahead due to uncertainties around their success.

Researchers at NTU are transforming patients' scan data into 3D printed models that are identical in shape, size and tactility to real human organs. By applying the latest advanced manufacturing techniques to the healthcare industry, our researchers are providing ground-breaking solutions that will support surgeons to undertake highly technical and often life-saving surgical operations with fewer complications.

By collaborating with industry partners, such as experts at the Ministry of Defence and consultant surgeons and radiologists, Richard Arm – Senior Research Fellow in the Nottingham School of Art and Design – is using innovative technologies to produce sustainable and repairable model organs. These realistic prototypes are tailor-made to mirror the size, structure and condition of living patients' organs. Enabling surgeons and trainees to rehearse and repeat complex procedures until they are confident and proficient enough to undertake real operations.

This ground-breaking research is shaping the future of medical training and medical interventions through innovation and the development of advanced medical materials. Encompassing transformative improvements to patient outcomes and quality of care, as well as widening the candidacy for surgery and saving more lives.