In a medical first, surgeons in Belfast have used a 3D printed model of a kidney to help to assist in preparations for a young woman’s life-saving organ transplant. Pauline Fenton (22), a mother from Belfast, was entirely reliant on dialysis treatment and required a kidney transplant. Surgeons at Belfast City Hospital prepared for the complex procedure on a 3D printed model of Mr Fenton’s kidney. ‘Healthy tissue’The model, created by Belfast company axial3D, allowed the surgeons to examine the size and location of the tumour and cyst. “We planned and rehearsed the surgery precisely, using an exact replica of the donor kidney containing the size and position of cyst.

Source: The Irish Times January 22, 2018 17:15 UTC