A STUDENT has used 3D printing technology to create a model of a kidney that could be used to help train cancer surgeons.
The model created, by Glasgow School of Art (GSA) student Lisa Ferrie, could help surgeons hone their skills in performing a procedure that removes part of the kidney affected by a tumour – a robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.
Such training is currently provided by virtual reality simulators as well as cadaveric and animal models which are expensive and not widely available.
Ferrie, a medical visualisation and human anatomy masters student, worked with medical experts to develop the model. She said: “There is an increasing incidence of kidney cancer within the UK and where possible surgeons will use a procedure known as a partial nephrectomy to treat it.
“The procedure removes only the part of the kidney affected by the tumour, to preserve as much kidney function as possible while still removing the cancer.
“This procedure is very technically challenging and can only be performed by a few very skilled surgeons.”
Ferrie’s work is on display until Thursday in the GSA graduate degree show at the McLellan Galleries.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here