Within the experimental activity of the Beta-Lab we are developing rigid and compliant vascular models to be used under the mock circulatory loop system.
At the present state we are investigating rigid patient specific models of the aorta, from the aortic root to the iliac bifurcation. The model is built from medical images (CT or MRI): after image segmentation the virtual model is post-processed in order to get the model of the aortic wall. Then the model is exported in a suitable format for 3D printing in transparent material with the Objet 30 Pro printer.
An other activity regards the development of compliant vascular models. For this purpose, we are using the 3D printer to build the negative mould of the desired district, in which we pour the silicone mixture.