Fraunhofer Research Institution for Individualized and Cell-Based Medical EngineeringPatient-specific training system for endovascular interventions
About
The project is developing a realistic, radiation-free training and simulation environment for complex endovascular procedures. This gives radiologists and manufacturers of medical instruments a risk-free opportunity to train patient-specific interventions and test new products - without X-rays or ethically questionable models. The demonstrator combines modern 3D printing technology, sensor technology and simulation software with virtual imaging.
Opportunity
Endovascular, neuroradiological interventions are among the most demanding medical procedures. Existing training methods such as animal models or specimens are ethically problematic and X-ray-based training poses health risks. Commercial phantoms are often too inaccurate for advanced users or patient-specific simulations. There is an acute need for realistic, radiation-free training systems for education and product development.
Solution/Product description
The demonstrator developed combines a patient-specific 3D-printed phantom with a simulated blood circulation including pulse and body temperature. Instruments are monitored using camera tracking and sensors. Simulation software provides an interactive training environment with intervention planning and a virtual C-arm for synthetic fluoroscopy. The result is an intervention-oriented, safe and highly customizable test and training system.
Why Us
Our solution integrates realistic haptic simulation with state-of-the-art sensor technology and software-based imaging without radiation exposure. It allows patient-specific preparation and testing of endovascular interventions and is suitable for training experienced radiologists as well as for industrial applications. The project is thus positioning itself as a new standard for safe, practical and ethically acceptable intervention training systems.