3D Printed Synthetic Soft Tissue

Medical simulation using synthetic tissues in manikins and trainers is a key component of military medical training, providing the hands-on repetition necessary for personnel to effectively deliver aid in the chaotic, distracting, and stressful battlefield environment. These simulation sessions should provide high fidelity, realistic scenarios. Unfortunately, training is currently hampered by complex logistics of sourcing medical simulation components and by inaccurate replication of human tissue behavior with current synthetic tissues. Training facilities must source components from multiple vendors, with variable and long lead times, leading to a complex logistics problem, and limiting the supply of training resources. Subpar synthetic tissue performance can result in negative training, where practitioners learn techniques inadequately, and possibly lead to patient harm. Instead of using casting processes (how most synthetic tissues are currently produced), simulated tissues can be produced using three-dimensional (3D) printing. 3D printing can solve both concerns, logistics and poor tissue performance, simultaneously. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) propose to develop a 3D printed synthetic tissue production platform leveraging stereolithography (SLA 3D printing) with novel resins and tissue structures (TDA has already successfully demonstrated both technologies) to produce high-fidelity synthetic tissues on-site at training facilities.