BIOMODEX, Montreal Heart Institute Developing 3D Printed Pulsatile Heart Models

BIOMODEX and the Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) are joining forces to help cardiologists better rehearse and train for complex valve-in-valve procedures. 
 
The teams are collaborating to develop several case-specific 3D-printed models of mitral and aortic valves that can be uses to simulate patient-specific procedures ahead of real-life cases. The models will be used with a specialized station and cardiac pump, allowing the valves to open and close to mimic a beating heart. Physicians will also be able to measure the pressure within the chamber to ensure proper hemodynamics. 
 
“Physicians often tell us they are impressed by how well our structural heart solution simulates the feel, friction, and haptic feedback of real heart tissue and blood vessels. Simulating valve movement goes well beyond that—and will take our solution to the next level. We are essentially delivering a complex system that replicates a beating heart with valves that open and close as blood moves through,” said Ziad Rouag, president and CEO of Biomodex. “The team at Montreal Heart Institute has the expertise to make our vision a reality, and we welcome the opportunity to collaborate.”

Biomodex’s 3D anatomies are based on a patient’s medical images. Models are made of advanced materials that simulate the biomechanical characteristics and haptic feedback of the anatomy. The station replicates blood flow and viscosity and is ultrasound compatible. In addition to boosting physicians’ preparedness and confidence, the solution is expected to reduce surgical and medical errors, procedural and hospitalization costs, and improve acute and chronic outcomes. 
 
“We believe Biomodex’s biorealistic haptic simulators will facilitate and improve training and case-specific rehearsal in structural heart procedures,” said Dr. Walid Ben Ali, cardiac surgeon at MHI. “We are excited to develop with Biomodex new cutting-edge training tools that have the potential to reshape how cardiovascular care is delivered.” 
 
Physicians at Montreal Heart Institute have used the Biomodex LAACS (Left Atrial Appendage Closure System) simulator to rehearse the full procedure of a Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO). This was the first time this was done in North America using a bio-realistic haptic simulator. 
 
“The future of medicine resides in utilizing technology to provide our patients with better, personalized care solutions,” said Dr. Jean-Claude Tardif, director of MHI’s Research Center, professor of medicine at Université de Montréal, and holder of the Canada Research Chair in personalized medicine. “Using case-specific 3D printed models will allow our cardiologists to rehearse procedures on a replica of their patients’ mitral and aortic valves and therefore minimize risks and improve clinical outcomes.”
 
BIOMODEX is a Boston and Paris-based medical technology company that 3D prints anatomical models using advanced materials that provide biorealistic haptic feedback. The next-generation biorealistic haptic simulators are fully customizable and integrate with a patented blood flow system and intraprocedural imaging tools such as TEE and ICE, enabling clinicians to gain life-like experience to advance skill sets and promote the adoption of new medical devices or techniques in their pursuit of improving patient outcomes. 
 
Founded in 1954, the Montreal Heart Institute is home to Canada’s largest cardiology research center, cardiovascular prevention center, and cardiovascular genetics center. The Institute is affiliated with the Université de Montréal and has more than 2,000 employees, including 245 physicians and more than 85 researchers.