Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System and the UVA School of Engineering and Applied Science in Charlottesville have developed 3-D printed skulls to simulate rhinological surgery and other procedures in the training of new physicians, according to UVA Today.
The 3-D models are created by converting a patient's CT or MRI scans into 3-D printable files. Once the skull is printed, software is used to simulate both surgical and nonsurgical procedures like performing an endoscopy on the naval cavity.
One of the developers of the training device, otolaryngologist Jose Gurrola, MD, said, "We're using next-generation technology today to meet the realization of our goals in terms of improving our learning opportunities for our trainees while ensuring that our patients continue to get world-class care."
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