A group of researchers developed an inexpensive, 3D Printable Neuraxial Anesthesia Phantom through the use of free/libre/open-source (FLOS) software and data from CT scans to create a 3D model of the lumbar spine, which was then modified, put inside a digitally designed housing unit, and 3D printed out of PLA on a desktop system. The so 3d Printed Neuraxial Anesthesia Training Model cost only $13 and 25 hours of non-supervised 3D printing and two hours to assemble it, much less than creating a Simulab phantom.

Researchers’ team from Louisiana State University led by Wayne Newhauser, director of the medical physics program at LSU, is working towards creating better Phantoms—models used as patient dummies when figuring out treatments and dosages. Using these dummies, the research team plans to carry out multiple trials of treatment for Cancer using Radiation therapy to kill neoplastic cancer cells in human bodies. These 3D Printed Phantoms are relatively cheaper method and quicker means to accessing information against Cancer.

US Researchers recently used 3D Printing to create Phantoms for training Radiologists to diagnose Breast cancer using Core Needle Biopy, the major diagnostic method available. While the usual phantoms for training cost around 350-450 USD, the 3D Printed Phantoms cost less and were much efficient in terms of acceptable US beam penetration and material hardness for simulation of human breast tissue integrity. The three breast phantom models were printed in multiple resins available through Stratasys, including VeroClear, TangoPlus and Tissue Matrix.