Disseny i fabricació d’un Modflow cerebral per a simulació biomèdica

El proyecto MODFLOW se refiere a un sistema modular de tramos intercambiables para la simulación realista de la anatomía vascular.

Tiene como objetivo permitir la práctica clínica en diferentes patologías vasculares (aneurismas, estenosis…), partiendo de modelos anatómicos vasculares del propio paciente, y facilitar la didáctica en talleres formativos. De este modo, se aumenta la calidad de la formación médica, se fomenta la planificación quirúrgica y se mejora la atención al paciente.

Currently, endovascular techniques fall within the context of minimally invasive surgical procedures. They constitute a rapidly evolving medical field, providing more precise and less invasive diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for complex pathologies. The range of indications and the number of centers and specialist physicians dedicated to this field are continuously expanding. However, acquiring skills and technical training in this area remains challenging. Simulation using animal models is increasingly being phased out, and additive manufacturing represents a highly promising alternative.

Our simulator enables the reliable reproduction of an arterial network based on a real anatomical model, as well as the manufacture of interchangeable segments that represent pathologies by accurately replicating lesions as they are. This allows for more detailed preparation of real interventions, helping to determine with greater certainty the appropriate materials and the best approach on an individualized basis for each case.

Throughout this project, a sealed modular system has been developed and patented, which can be connected to a pump capable of simulating flow and pulse. It consists of a series of interchangeable segments representing arteries (healthy or pathological). These segments are made of a transparent and radiolucent material, allowing the interventional physician to locate the position of the lesion or pathology and to manipulate the corresponding instruments along the arterial network with direct visual feedback, as well as enabling visualization using radiology equipment within the hospital environment.