Creating Neonatal Ultrasound Simulations using 3D printing

Medical imaging techniques are an important tool for physicians and technicians to use when diagnosing and treating illness. CT, MRI and Ultrasound are commonplace in most medical facilities due to their ease of use and far reaching applications. Ultrasound, in particular, is the ideal modality for diagnosing disease in children and infants due to several factors. For example, Ultrasound does not introduce ionizing radiation into the patient in the way that CT does, which is extremely important for developing children. Due to the considerations associated with neonatal ultrasound, it is beneficial for physicians and students to have access to training simulations that familiarize them with up-to-date ultrasound techniques. Such a simulation would ideally be low cost to produce and operate, easily communicable within the medical community, adaptable in order to simulate various conditions, and would make use of the same tools that are used when performing a live ultrasound. Currently, there exists no neonatal ultrasound simulation. This project proposes using 3D printing manufacturing to create a cheap, accurate model of a neonate brain to be used as a simulation tool. 3D printing presents a novel opportunity to create a simulation that satisfies all of the previously listed ideal characteristics. This project discusses the practicality, approach and challenges associated with using 3D printing to create a neonatal ultrasound simulation. * Indicates faculty mentor