Medical Models by Additive Manufacturing for Training

Abstract

The practical training has become essential in the education of medical professionals. Thanks to the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies, from the irruption of stereolithography in the 1980s to the latest biofabrication systems, significant progress has been made in this educational training. These advances have enabled the creation of high-precision and ultra-realistic anatomical models for general training, biomodels for preoperative preparation, training-purpose implants, phantoms for validating imaging simulation systems, or surgical teaching materials. This development has not only substantially improved the skills and confidence of our medical professionals but also has facilitated broader access to training due to lower costs and the simplicity allowed by additive manufacturing.