Hof University of Applied Sciences and Sana Klinikum Hof – a pioneering collaboration for the future of patient care
In an inspiring partnership between Hof University of Applied Sciences and Sana Klinikum Hof, an innovative training opportunity for future doctors is becoming a reality. Thanks to this cooperation, young doctors can now practice minimally invasive procedures to treat vascular occlusions (so-called embolistations) on a life-like model – a development that not only revolutionizes training, but ultimately also benefits patients. Until now, this was only possible under the guidance of experienced colleagues with many years of training on patients or animal models. The cost-effective procedure, which was developed in the MakerSpace at Hof University of Applied Sciences, will also be available to other medical universities and training centers in the future.
The MakerSpace at Hof University of Applied Sciences is a state-of-the-art workshop equipped with high-tech machines, tools and software that makes it possible to realize technical ideas and develop prototypes. Mohammed Misbahuddin-Leis, assistant doctor in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, came across these impressive possibilities as he hurried through Hof city center with his idea in his luggage. René Göhring, Technical Manager at MakerSpace, tells the story with a grin:
“One afternoon, a young junior doctor in scrubs came up to us and asked if we could build something for him.” It was as if he had just run off between two operations. You could literally see the urgency of his project.”
René Göhring, Hof University of Applied Sciences
Better training opportunities for prospective radiologists
What started out as an idea has now been successfully implemented. With the “MANTA 3.4” – the “Medical Angiography Imaging Phantom for Training Doctors” – a model is now available that enables young doctors to practise handling catheters and closure techniques in a realistic environment without having to work on the patient immediately. Prof. Dr. Boris Radeleff, Chief Physician for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology at Sana Klinikum Hof and Adjunct Professor at Heidelberg University Hospital, describes the progress: “A vascular occlusion usually has to be performed within a few minutes. Precision and speed are crucial. Until now, the opportunities for practical training were severely limited. Trainee doctors either had to practice directly on patients under the guidance of experienced colleagues, which is risky and only possible for a few cases per year in certain bleeding cases, or they had to use animal models. Training therefore takes a very long time.” And further:
With our new model, we can significantly improve the training of our trainee radiologists and thus optimize patient care.”
Prof. Dr. med. Boris Radeleff, Chief Physician for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
Development of a training phantom
Up to now, the only existing highly functional but expensive phantom is the angiotrainer developed by the Charité in Berlin. Due to the cost structure alone, it is not possible to train a wide range of medical personnel, especially in countries with low medical standards and poor financial resources, or only to a limited extent at a few top centers. “The fact that we can now implement this here together with Hof University of Applied Sciences is a huge step forward,” says the head physician.
Our aim was to develop a low-cost training phantom that can be produced for training purposes at universities and training centers with limited resources.”
Prof. Dr. Anke Müller, Professor of Manufacturing Technologies and Head of the Startuplab
Preparing for emergencies
And so models of the human vascular structure were produced in the university’s MakerSpace using a 3D printer, into which a variably controllable pump system is integrated.
This system simulates human blood pressure in the artery with flow rates and thus the physiological conditions that occur during a real intervention. After several prototypes, a variant was found that turned out to be suitable for simulating a transparent, soft vascular system.”
Prof. Dr. Thomas Rausch
It now makes it possible to practice the handling of instruments such as catheters and guidewires as well as closure using coils without risk. Prof. Radeleff adds: “Our MANTA phantom prepares medical professionals for emergencies and improves responsiveness and accuracy during urgent medical interventions. Training scenarios, such as dealing with acute vascular occlusions or arterial bleeding, enable interventional radiologists to act faster and more precisely.”
Cost-efficient and easy to manufacture
The simple and cost-effective production of the model, which originally started with the use of a 3D printer and a storage tin, is another advantage that increases the accessibility of training for a wider group of medical students. “The material costs for the model amount to around EUR 250. In addition, all components can be manufactured using equipment normally found in the university environment,” says Prof. Dr. Anke Müller. The plan is to make the technology available to other training centers and university hospitals as open source instructions, in keeping with the spirit of the maker movement. The future of medical training looks promising: The model is to be continuously developed to integrate specific training modules for various radiology sub-disciplines.
“With this innovation, we are setting a new standard in medical training, which will ultimately be an advantage for our patients.”
Prof. Dr. med. Boris Radeleff, Chief Physician for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology
For example, a model for urology has already been requested.
The MakerSpace is funded by the BMBF’s “Research at Universities of Applied Sciences” program as part of the Startuplab project.
