custom liver biliary model

The Challenge:

“My goal of the model is to simulate a biliary stricture. We would like to show how our device (a biliary stent on a catheter) can push through a tight stricture and how it compares to the ‘push-ability’ of other biliary stents. Would be great if we could place a wire through the model into the bile duct and then place the catheter/stent across the stricture. Ideally, the stricture will be pretty tight. We have a ‘model’ created for the stricture portion; however, it isn’t pretty and would like to have a nice model with potentially our stent used at the appropriate location. Historically our catheter has been pretty flexible and hard to push through tight strictures, and we would like to show how this has changed and how it compares to competitive products. The ‘must have’ anatomical features are the duodenum, papilla and bile duct with a malignant stricture”

Product Specialist PhD

Model Design:

Pulse MDM added 2 key features to our client’s vision.

The 1st was to design the model to accommodate different malignant strictures by locating the strictures in a small removable block that is sandwiched between 2 pieces of the model.  This way additional stricture variations can be developed and added to provide a wide range clinical scenarios.

The 2^ndwas to make the model clear so the stent can be seen without visualization tools. This allows the model to be portable and convenient. Plus, clear models are way more interesting and cooler to look at than opaque models.

Model Development:

Working closely with WLGore, Pulse MDM created the anatomy to match all requested dimensions. The targeted area is rendered with a 3D clear model and the surrounding anatomy is printed on a base for context.

Model Solution:

This model features a biliary tree with interchangeable plug-in stricture tracts to change disease states, facilitating the conversations about different pathologies and patient scenarios that surgeons will come up against in the operating room. Changing stricture tracts is completed in seconds because everyone appreciates a model that is easy to use. The surgeon can navigate the WLGore stent thru a very narrow stricture easily and clearly see the device through the entire procedure making it easier to complete the demonstration and to leave a lasting visual impression with the clinician.  If the client chooses, they can also demonstrate how the competitive product works for a direct comparison on how much easily the WLGore procedure is. In addition to or in place of labs, the model is endlessly reusable, perfectly convenient and an excellent way to tell the story of how easily their device is pushed through tight strictures. It is professional and beautiful to satisfy one of the main client criteria.

Gore Viabil Short Wire Biliary Endoprothesis

Although this custom model is not available for sale to the public, we are delighted to make you a version that is specific to your unique medical device and procedure. Please use this link to start the process of receiving a model concept; a visual representation of how you will be able to promote your product and procedure. Pulse MDM does not charge for model concepts or the conversations around them so there is no risk to see how we can help you to tell your story in the most engaging and memorable way possible.

Biliary Stent Overview:

When your bile duct is blocked by scar tissue or a tumor, your interventional radiologist may use a minimally invasive procedure called biliary stent placement to open the duct and allow internal drainage of the built-up bile in your liver. During biliary stent placement, a small plastic or metal tube is placed inside a bile duct to keep it open or direct the bile to bypass an obstruction. This allows the fluids to drain internally.

Biliary Stents