Researchers at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix are 3D printing replicas of patients' spines to allow surgeons to practice complex procedures, reports Fox 10 Phoenix.
Three things to know:
1. The spine replica also allows the patient to better understand the procedure because their surgeon demonstrates the surgical plan to them.
2. BNI's 3D printing technology uses medical imaging to create models that are anatomically and biomechanically realistic, according to Michael Bohl, MD, resident neurosurgeon at BNI.
3. In March, Tempe-based Arizona State University partnered with BNI to form The Barrow-ASU Initiative for Innovation in Neuro-Engineering to improve the lives of patients with neurological disorders.