Frequently Asked Questions

SurgiSTUD offers an alternative to cadavers for surgical training. We manufacture customizable 3D printed surgical training and utility device models with high biomechanically fidelity that offers real life haptic feel AND significant cost savings over cadaveric options.

Our models are completely customizable. We use patient specific CT scans to replicate anatomy/pathology or existing deformities. Our models are very inexpensive when compared to a cadaver as there are no associated lab expenses, transportation charges, any of the additional fees (such as disposable, delivery, environmental, infectious disease tests, etc.). Our models also have an extended shelf life over cadaveric options.

We are available worldwide and have patents globally. Our models eliminate some cultural concerns that cadavers have in some countries. Our models are perfect for deliberate, simulated training. Most of our models can be used multiple times or for multiple procedures. Surgeons have the opportunity to simulate a complex case and practice before performing on the actual patient. All of our bones have been biomechanically tested, so they have the same fidelity and haptic feel of real bones.

We are getting a lot of really fantastic feedback. The most common response that we get is, “Finally – a solution to a void in the industry!” There is currently a shortage in cadaver availability, sources are stating that they are at about 40% capacity. It is super exciting time for us to be able to offer an alternative platform.

The neurosurgeon inventor, Dr. Michael Bohl, had a need for additional hands-on practice during his medical training. While his military experience and pilot license courses involved hours upon hours of practice on how to overcome different scenarios, the same was not true in surgical education despite the outcomes being just as impactful: resulting in life and death situations. While most surgical training and residency programs still use the "see one, do one, teach one" training mindset, Dr. Bohl wanted a platform where he could practice simulated, deliberate [basic to advanced] surgical skills and techniques without unnecessary risk to a patient's health. The foundation of our company is to revolutionize surgical training.

The initial concept was to develop the models specifically for surgeons, but we continue to find more markets that could benefit from using our models. Right now, I think the biggest market that we impact is the medical device companies. Medical device companies turn to SurgiSTUD when looking for a platform for effectively demonstrating the quality of their medical devices, when seeking to reduce costs of organizing training courses, when looking for alternatives to cadavers for patient specific or custom pathologies and anatomies, or for increasing sales through surgeon demonstration, education, and outreach, also and when they are frustrated by the lack of reliable benchtop testing for product development to develop and test navigation systems and implant systems.