Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
Please note that all times are shown in the time zone of the conference. The current conference time is: 15th Sept 2026, 10:37:36am EEST
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Daily Overview |
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STE-R PS3: Remote Session 3 Location: online Session Chair: Marcel Freimuth, University of Wuppertal Session Chair: Christian Sauder, University of Wuppertal | |
| Presentation 4 | |
9:54am - 10:12am
Virtual Reality Tool for the Design and Validation of Personalized Biomedical Devices Using 3D Printing Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Ecuador The incorporation of virtual reality (VR) technologies into the biomedical field marks a turning point in the way medical devices are conceived, developed, and tested. A VR tool designed for the creation and validation of personalized biomedical devices brings together immersive environments, advanced 3D modeling, and additive manufacturing. This innovative approach allows engineers and healthcare professionals to explore design alternatives, refine details, and predict potential challenges before physical prototypes are produced. The result is a more efficient, cost-effective, and patient-centered process that aligns with current demands for precision medicine. One of the most notable contributions of VR is its capacity to simulate real anatomical conditions. Designers can virtually place a biomedical device within the human body and analyze how it interacts with different tissues, movements, and physiological parameters. This ability to visualize interactions reduces risks, minimizes errors, and improves overall device performance. Traditional prototyping often requires numerous iterations and significant resources, but VR enables testing at a fraction of the cost and time. By integrating VR with 3D printing, validated virtual models can then be physically produced, bridging the gap between digital design and tangible solutions. In addition to its impact on design workflows, VR provides powerful benefits for education and professional training. Surgeons and healthcare practitioners can use immersive environments to rehearse procedures, test innovative devices, and become familiar with complex interventions before working with actual patients. This enhances confidence, reduces risks, and leads to better outcomes. Medical students can also gain a deeper understanding of device functionality by interacting with prototypes in a virtual environment, fostering experiential learning and skill development. However, the implementation of VR in biomedical contexts is not without challenges. The regulatory environment governing medical devices is strict, and while essential for ensuring safety, it can slow the adoption of new technologies. Healthcare professionals may also be cautious about modifying established practices, especially when learning curves are steep. Technical requirements such as high-performance hardware, accurate calibration, and reliable software add further complexity. These barriers highlight the importance of offering comprehensive training and technical support to ensure successful integration of VR systems in clinical practice. Despite these obstacles, the potential applications of VR in healthcare are expanding rapidly. Beyond design and validation, VR can support surgical training, rehabilitation programs, and patient engagement. For instance, patients can visualize their treatment plans or devices in a virtual space, improving understanding and trust. Rehabilitation can also be tailored to individual needs, with VR environments providing motivating exercises that accelerate recovery. The accessibility and affordability of VR tools are improving, paving the way for wider adoption across medical institutions. Ultimately, the future of VR in biomedical device design depends on interdisciplinary collaboration. Engineers, clinicians, and researchers must work together to align technological capabilities with clinical needs. Such collaboration ensures that devices are not only technically feasible but also practical, safe, and beneficial in real contexts. By fostering cooperation and innovation, VR-based tools for biomedical design and validation hold the potential to transform healthcare, making it more efficient, personalized, and responsive to patient needs. | |
