3D-printed hearts and lungs to help train transplant surgeons

Diseased model hearts and lungs, which can breathe and bleed like real organs, have been created by experts at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to help train surgeons for performing heart transplants.

Researchers, led by senior research fellow Richard Arm, have scanned data from a heart failure patient and from a healthy donor heart to 3D print true-to-life models to allow surgeons to practice heart transplant surgery.

Why does it matter?

Made from silicone gels, fabrics, and fibers with the tactile qualities of human hearts - the models will allow surgeons to learn how to carefully and safely implant a healthy donor heart of a different size and shape from the diseased one.

They also feature bleeding vessels to simulate the experience of clamping them to stem any blood flow before incisions are made to remove the diseased organ.

The new heart can be sutured into place with real surgical instruments, and the process can then be repeated to allow for multiple mock operations, as the models are repairable and reusable.

The project was funded by the Freeman Heart and Lung Transplant Association and presented at the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery on March 18, 2024.

On the record

"The aim is to give surgeons the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of organ transplant surgery and experience the tactile aspects of removing a failing heart and connecting a different healthy one, identifying and suturing the vessels that keep the donor heart in place," said Richard, of the Nottingham School of Art & Design.

"This technology can simulate bleeding like a normal heart to provide the actual experience and limited visibility that surgeons must face on the operating table.

"The model is designed to be affordable, reusable and portable, to maximise access to the technology, allowing for increased risk-free training opportunities for transplant surgeons around the country."