ATSU receives patent approval for 3D model
Posted: April 19, 2024
A.T. Still University (ATSU) has been awarded a patent for a 3D cervical, pelvic, and lumbar model designed to transform epidural placement training. Developed by Debra Loguda-Summers, public service and 3D print service manager, A.T. Still Memorial Library; Jamie Carroll, senior graphic designer, academic technologies; Marcus Matson, DO, ’20; and Zachary Headman, DO, ’20, the project is a culmination of several years of collaborative work.
The journey to receiving the patent began in 2017 when ATSU hosted its annual SparkTank contest, which gave students a platform to showcase their inventive concepts for teaching and learning. The team’s proposal caught the attention of the audience and panel of seven ATSU judges, ultimately earning a $5,000 grant for implementation.
Reflecting on the initial development of the models, Dr. Matson explained, “Dr. Headman and I initially connected with Deb in the library early during our OMS I year. ATSU had recently become more engaged in 3D printing and Deb was very proactive about advertising and educating this service.
“As we began, things evolved and changed and eventually, ended up to where we are now. This entire process was a formative and very influential experience which has continued to play a large role in my career path. As I prepare for graduation from my anesthesiology residency, I have seen first hand how impactful this project has been for me and the potential it has to influence education and patient care in the future.”
Under the guidance of the library’s 3D printing lab and Academic Technologies department, several prototypes were crafted, producing cervical, lumbar, and pelvis models tailored for training purposes in the ultrasound lab. These models aimed to simulate real-world scenarios and provide medical students, interns, and residents with a risk-free environment to develop their injection skills.
The next phase involved comprehensive testing of the models using ultrasound equipment. In close collaboration with Tatyana Kondrashova, PhD, professor, ATSU-Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (ATSU-KCOM), careful assessments were conducted in the ultrasound lab to evaluate accuracy and usability of the models, ensuring they met the standards of quality and effectiveness. Upon successfully completing these tests, the team disseminated its findings through research posters and articles, showcasing the project’s impact on medical education.
The team applied for the patent in 2019, and one of the most significant milestones for the team came with the University’s assistance in securing a patent for the innovative models, which was awarded in October 2023.
To build on this success, the library is now collaborating with several other ATSU departments to develop low-cost 3D ballistic gel training models. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to advancing medical education through innovation and accessibility, ensuring aspiring healthcare professionals receive the best possible training resources.
“I want to extend my gratitude to ATSU for their support of this project during the last several years. Collaborating with such a talented and dedicated group of individuals has been inspiring. It was a collective effort to design a resource that benefits our students,” said Loguda-Summers.
