Simulated Anatomy - Designing Behaviour into 3D Printed Anatomy

Abstract

In medicine, 3D printing technologies are currently being used for the creation of custom prosthetics and implants, as a tool for preoperative planning and diagnosis and are even being employed in the early stages of creating functional human organs. This thesis investigates the applications of 3D printing, particularly using the Objet500 Connex2 multi-material 3D printer, for the design of models of human anatomy. The Connex 3D printer prints in a spectrum of material hardness’s, suggestive of the tissue densities which compose human anatomy. This thesis proposes that the effective use of the multiple materials of the Connex 3D printer can lead to the creation of 3D printed models which simulate the movement, feel and response to stimulus of human anatomy. Such a model would have applications in the communication of medical knowledge, anatomy education, diagnosis by clinicians and potentially, for accurate simulation of medical procedures. This research used a practice based design approach, implementing multiple design and reflection methods unique to the creation of 3D printed anatomy models. A 3D printed model of the anatomy of the neck was created, which addressed the qualities and limitations of the Connex 3D printer’s photopolymer material and allowed for the speculation of further uses of 3D printing technologies. The benefits of the approach taken in the creation of the 3D printed anatomy models is discussed in relation to current and future applications in medicine.