LIFE-LIKE: A doctor (right) attending a surgical lesson by Toshiaki Morikawa (not in picture), professor of Jukei University School of Medicine for using an artificial "Biotexture Wet Model" lung made by a 3D printer at the Jikei University hospital in Tokyo.
TOKYO: An incision from the surgeon's scalpel sends liquid oozing over the surface of a the lung, but on this occasion it doesn't matter if something goes wrong — the doctor can simply create another model with a 3D printer.
The ultra-realistic lung — wet, soft, and complete with tumours and blood vessels — is one of a range of organs being produced by a Japanese firm that will allow surgeons to hone their skills without hurting anyone.
