World-leading sinus surgeon P.J. Wormald using 3D body-part models by Adelaide's Fusetec for training
Fusetec CEO Mark Roe (at left) with the 3D prototype neurosurgery model, based on a likeness of former US President Barack Obama. At right: Professor P.J. Wormald training one of the international sinus surgeons, using a Fusetec 3D model, at his Adelaide University 2019 course.
Image by Ben Kelly
World-leading sinus surgeon Professor P.J. Wormald in 2019 used Adelaide-made 3D-printed models with lifelike bone, skin and muscle densities for the first time in courses he has run at Adelaide University over 22 years for surgeons from around the world.
Professor Wormald, who is based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Royal Adelaide Hospital and the ear, nose and throat professor at the Adelaide University, was using 3D technology developed by South Australian company Fusetec with Adelaide University, Flinders University and the University of South Australia.
Fusetec in 2019 also was working on other 3D human models including a full brain for neurosurgeon training. Fusetec models’ life-like texture of skin, tissue and bone allow a realistic surgical experience.
Besides the three-day Adelaide University course attended by 40 international (China, Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, India, Singapore, Chile, UK, Canada, USA, Austria) sinus surgeons, Fusetec cutting-edge 3D-printed training models also were also used for 2019 courses in Montreal, Canada, and New Orleans, USA.
Previous training courses have typically used cadavers. The 3D printed models are more suitable by being reproduced identically for each course member and made from CT scans to have the same real complications such as tumours. The 3D-printed models can be made of individual patients to allow surgeons to practise the specific procedure before an operation. Professor Wormald expected 3D models to be predominantly used in future to train medical students and surgeons.
New models being developed by Fusetec include an ear, thorax, eye and five different heart pathologies. The first dissection on the prototype 3D-printed brain was carried out in 2019 by Royal Adelaide Hospital neurosurgeon Dr Adam Wells, who will help develop the head until it is realistic enough to train surgeons at a high degree of difficulty.
In 2020, Fusetec was looking to raise $10 million so it could increase production of its models. It has received grants from Australia’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre and the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute to develop software to improve the speed and efficiency of the manufacturing.
