UNLV Researchers Develop 3D-Printed California Sea Lion Pelvis for Surgical Training

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) are pioneering a significant advancement in veterinary training for marine mammals through the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology. The core of this initiative involves creating synthetic models of the California sea lion pelvis, engineered to replicate the physical properties of native tissue with high fidelity, including flexibility, density, and even blood flow characteristics.

These artificial models are developed using volumetric imaging data derived from Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, enabling the reproduction of complex anatomy with precision. The ability to practice critical procedures, such as blood sampling, in near-life conditions offers a substantial benefit, allowing veterinary professionals to refine techniques before engaging with live patients. Furthermore, the project integrates soft robotics principles to mimic natural muscle resilience and contraction, substantially elevating the realism of the simulation.

This breakthrough provides an ethical and sustainable alternative to the use of animal cadavers, a traditional training method increasingly scrutinized from an animal welfare perspective. The 3D-printed models also facilitate personalized surgical planning, as they can be customized to the unique anatomy of any individual sea lion requiring intervention.

The UNLV effort reflects a broader convergence across wildlife conservation, robotics engineering, and biomedical innovation. The use of 3D-printed anatomical models in veterinary medicine is not isolated; similar technology has shown potential in other animal disciplines. For instance, 3D-printed equine skeletons have been employed elsewhere to enhance veterinary student learning, addressing the scarcity and high cost of authentic skeletons. Additionally, 3D anatomical models can substitute for animal or human cadavers, which often require harsh formalin treatment and have limited availability.

This trend indicates a wider shift in veterinary education toward adopting technology-based simulation aids to cost-effectively improve clinical skills. The application of 3D printing has extended to real clinical cases to enhance surgical accuracy in both small and large animals, exemplified by procedures performed on dogs and pigs at the University of Florida. In the context of conservation, this innovation has also led to custom prosthetics, such as 3D-printed titanium jaws for sea turtles injured by boat propellers, demonstrating the technology's tangible impact on wildlife recovery.

The development of models that replicate soft tissue and vascularization characteristics, as undertaken by the UNLV team, represents a crucial step forward. The capacity to practice invasive procedures without risking a live animal is a significant advantage for training curriculum development. This aligns with global efforts to elevate animal care standards, prioritizing accurate and ethical training aids. Such innovations bridge the gap between anatomical theory and practical surgical application, ensuring the next generation of veterinarians possesses a robust foundation built on advanced simulation.