UCSF educators, researchers, and practitioners are using 3D printed anatomical models as tools for preoperative planning, simulation, and intraoperative visualization. Students enrolled in the Anatomy 171.10 Advanced 3D Printing for Health Science Students elective are matched with a UCSF faculty or researcher to produce a 3D printed project used for patient education, simulation, or research.
For faculty
UCSF faculty can submit project proposals for the Advanced 3D Printing elective related to patient education, simulation, or research. See the project section below for examples of 3D printed projects. Below are expectations for projects:
- Faculty agree to meet with the student collaborator at least once per week throughout the duration of the project.
- 3D printers are available at no cost in the Makers Lab. Makers Lab will recommend other UCSF departments with more sophisticated 3D printers when appropriate (faculty will incur costs).
- The Makers Lab will provide up to $100 in 3D printing materials for projects. Material costs exceeding $100 must be provided by faculty’s department (e.g., 3D print consumables, silicone).
- Software used is free, but limitations on clinical use based on FDA regulations.
- Makers Lab staff are available for consultations with student on software and 3D printing.
Submit a project proposal, and a staff or faculty member will follow-up with you soon after. Contact the Makers Lab with questions about the Advanced 3D Printing elective.
For students
UCSF students are eligible to enroll in the Anatomy 171.10 Advanced 3D Printing for Health Science Students elective after completing Anatomy 170.10 3D Printing for Health Science Students. Students agree to meet with the faculty collaborator at least once per week throughout the duration of the project.
Objectives for the elective:
- Formulate a project plan, timeline, and needs assessment with a UCSF faculty member.
- Students agree to meet with the faculty collaborator once per week throughout the duration of the project, or as needed.
- Students meet with Makers Lab staff for project guidance as needed.
- Generate a 3D model from DICOM data (e.g., CT, MRI) using segmentation.
- Finalize and export a 3D model(s) using a combination of 3D design software.
- Determine and apply the ideal 3D printing technology for the project (e.g., FDM, SLA, PolyJet).
- Integrate any other manufacturing techniques to meet the needs of the project (e.g., silicone casting).
- Complete a 3D printed product for use at UCSF.
Participate
There are open, in-progress, and completed projects listed below. Sign up to participate in an open project. Contact the Makers Lab with questions about the Advanced 3D Printing elective.
Projects
Foot Model
Dr. Lori Drake, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Catherine Nicholas, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: 3D printed foot model for displaying various foot arches and pertinent common forefoot/midfoot/rearfoot pathologies for patient education and podiatric medical student education.
Completion date: TBD
Keywords: simulation, surgery preparation, patient education
Traumatic Brain Injury Model
Dr. Ed Amorim, UCSF Department of Neurology
Description: 3D printed head and brain models to illustrate increased intracranial pressure to facilitate patient counselling and procedural training for neurology and neurosurgery residents.
Completion date: TBD
Keywords: surgery preparation, simulation
Pancreas Model
Dr. Ajay Maker, UCSF Division of Surgical Oncology and Rojina Nekoonam, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: A 3D printed model of a pancreas displaying different types of cysts. Used to explain the surgery that is needed, why it is needed, and to prepare the patient.
Completion date: January 2023
Keywords: surgery preparation
Heart Model
Dr. Marilynn Chan, UCSF Department of Pediatrics, Zaina Moussa and Mohamed Siddeek, UCSF MD Candidates
Description: 3D printed model of a normal heart and a 3D printed model that shows progression of cardiac pathology over time for poorly controlled or severe pediatric pulmonary hypertension to educate medical trainees and families.
Completion date: January 2023
Keywords: surgery preparation, patient education
Lumbar Puncture Model
Dr. Gerald Hsu, UCSF Division of Hematology and Oncology
Description: 3D printed spine model for simulating lumbar puncture with intrathecal chemotherapy. Read more: UCSF Lumbar Puncture Simulator Project.
Completion date: November 2022
Keywords: simulation
Read more: UCSF Lumbar Puncture Simulator Project.
Rheumatology Simulation Model
Dr. Sara Sani, UCSF Divisions of Hospital Medicine and Rheumatology
Description: 3D printed phantom of the glenohumeral joint for fluoroscopic-guided shoulder arthrography for UCSF residents.
Completion date: Spring 2021
Keywords: medicine, simulation, anatomy education, rheumatology, partial task trainer prep
Bronchoscopy and Airway Models
Dr. Marilynn Chan, UCSF Department of Pediatrics and Francisco Gomez Alvarado, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: 3D printed model of the pediatric airway anatomy to simulate bronchoscopies.
Completion date: June 2022
Keywords: simulation, surgery preparation, patient education
Bronchoscopy and Airway Models
Dr. Christopher Leba, UCSF Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, & Sleep Medicine and Samuel Vydro, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: 3D printed tracheobronchial models to facilitate learning of the relevant anatomy and simulate bronchoscopy.
Completion date: November 2021
Keywords: simulation, surgery preparation, patient education, research
Read more: Meet the Maker – Sam Vydro
Congenital Cleft Lip Model
Dr. Jordan Virbalas, UCSF Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Kelsey Ogomori, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: 3D printed cleft lip model to simulate surgical repair to revolutionize how to teach residents this skill.
Completion date: November 2021
Keywords: simulation
Read more: Meet the Maker – Kelsey Ogomori
Pediatric Larynx Models
Dr. Jordan Virbalas, UCSF Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Sophie Kupiec-Weglinski, UCSF MD Candidate
Description: 3D printed mold used to create a silicone model of the pediatric larynx extending from the supraglottic structures (epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoids) to the subglottis. The model would be used for procedural training.
Completion date: November 2021
Keywords: simulation
Read more: Meet the Maker – Sophie Kupiec-Weglinski
Bone Marrow Biopsy Simulation Model
Dr. Gerald Hsu, UCSF Division of Hematology and Oncology
Description: 3D printed and silicone bone marrow biopsy partial-task trainer for UCSF fellows.
Completion date: July 2020
Keywords: medicine, simulation, anatomy education, bone marrow biopsy, partial-task trainer
Read more: “Design-Based Bone Marrow Biopsy Training” published in Simulation in Healthcare.