As we know, 3D printing has profoundly transformed the medical field, making it possible to produce customized models ranging from anatomical replicas to fully patient-specific implants. This is where the young startup Simpath comes in. Since its founding in 2023, the company has been developing realistic 3D models dedicated to anesthesia and respiratory medicine. Using advanced 3D printing technology, Simpath produces highly detailed anatomical structures with strong potential to improve medical simulation, training, and the development of new devices. In an interview with the Simpath team, we learned how these models could help shape the future of medicine, as well as the process behind the additive manufacturing of tracheal models.
3DN: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your beginnings in 3D printing? How did Simpath come to be?
Our team at Simpath is made up of experts in both medicine and design: anesthetists James Broadbent and Jeremy Young, along with industrial designers Bernard Guy and Nicole Hone. Before founding Simpath, each of us had already built solid experience in 3D printing within our respective fields and stayed at the forefront of the latest technologies through academic and research activities. Our earlier work on 3D-printed pediatric tracheostomies and on 4D pneumatic printing techniques laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Simpath. The team came together through joint projects between universities and hospitals, where we realized the potential that could come from combining our expertise.
James Broadbent (left), Jeremy Young (right), and a close-up of their model.
Simpath was born from a clear goal: to improve training tools for airway management and care. We saw a major gap in the market for anatomical models that are not only visually and tactilely realistic but also capture the dynamic nature of the human body. Our ambition is to create interactive models that bridge the gap between traditional physical models and new digital simulations, providing a more complete learning experience.
One of our greatest strengths lies in the close collaboration between our clinicians and designers. The healthcare professionals bring contextual expertise, identify industry needs, and carry out testing, while our design team approaches these needs creatively and translates them into concrete, innovative solutions.
3DN: What projects are you currently working on? Which anatomical models have been the most noteworthy among those you have 3D printed so far?
Our team is currently developing a pediatric model designed for training in the CICO (Can’t Intubate, Can’t Oxygenate) procedure. This device includes several components, such as a fixed head and neck along with a flexible, interchangeable trachea, allowing trainees to practice the procedure repeatedly under realistic conditions.
At the same time, we are enhancing our dynamic airway model by integrating surrounding anatomical structures to make the simulation even more lifelike. This model, which replicates an adult trachea with an unprecedented level of realism, incorporates dynamic pathologies and innovative features that are transforming airway management training.
Unlike static models or those made from a single material, our trachea replicates complex internal abnormalities as well as dynamic functions such as dilation, constriction, bleeding, and arterial pulsations. This approach delivers an immersive, interactive simulation experience with both visual and tactile feedback. It is precisely this tangible dimension that gives physical models a decisive advantage over purely virtual simulations.
Dynamic airway model with various realistic components.
With our model, professionals can simulate complex procedures and emergency scenarios. For example, injecting fluid through a tiny opening in the tracheal wall replicates the active bleeding of a tumor. The design also allows for precise surgical exercises, such as creating a fluid-filled cyst, then making an incision and aspirating its contents. In addition, users can recreate pathologies such as tracheal stenosis, where the inner walls of the trachea can be inflated to form a narrowed passageway.
3DN: Who uses your anatomical models, and for what purposes?
Our anatomical models are primarily designed for surgical and medical training. Clinicians and students can use them to practice various procedures and prepare for real emergency situations. They provide an ethically acceptable alternative for performing complex surgical or exploratory techniques, offering an unmatched level of realism.
In addition, these models are valuable for product testing and medical device development, where accurate anatomical conditions are essential for evaluating performance. They also serve as educational tools for patient communication, helping make certain medical situations and their treatments easier to understand.
The 3D model allows for the simulation of various emergency scenarios.
3DN: What materials and processes do you use?
Our design process focuses on capturing individuality, age, and health status. It advances the tradition of anatomical models, moving from static, generic representations to true data-based simulations. To create our models and ensure compatibility with existing medical devices, we use CT scanners along with 3D modeling techniques in Rhino and ZBrush. We then employ PolyJet multi-material 3D printing to achieve remarkably realistic textures. Using a variety of materials allows us to replicate the different consistencies of human tissues, from soft tissue to cartilage.
Clinical validation is a crucial step in our process, ensuring that our models are suitable for simulation use. For example, our trachea model can be used to visualize asthma or bronchoconstriction, helping explain why patients experience breathing difficulties and demonstrating the role of treatment in bronchodilation.