Flexibility and Repeatability in Design Iteration
When developing medical devices, multiple design iterations are often necessary. Traditional testing with cadaveric or animal tissue presents significant time constraints and logistical challenges. Artificial anatomical models give you a distinct advantage: they can be reused repeatedly over extended periods, allowing for consistent testing conditions across weeks or months of development. This reliability in testing conditions is invaluable when validating design improvements or comparing different prototype iterations.
Simplified Safety Protocol Implementation
One of the most compelling benefits of using artificial anatomy for medical device testing is avoiding the need for biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory facilities. While BSL-2 labs are essential for testing with biological materials, they can add considerable complexity and cost to the development process. Artificial models eliminate these biological safety concerns while still providing accurate testing conditions.
Early Risk Mitigation and Validation
Preclinical studies represent a significant investment in any medical device development timeline. Using artificial anatomical models early in the development process allows teams to confirm device functionality and safety parameters before committing to expensive animal studies or human tissue testing. This approach helps de-risk the development process and can provide valuable data for investor presentations and regulatory submissions.
Testing Against Extreme Conditions
Artificial anatomy models excel at providing consistent “worst-case scenario” testing environments. Unlike biological specimens, which can vary significantly, artificial models can be designed to represent specific challenging conditions. This capability allows device developers to thoroughly test their products against the most demanding use cases, ensuring robust performance across all potential clinical scenarios.
Intellectual Property Protection
When we work with custom-designed artificial anatomical models, our clients maintain complete control over their intellectual property (IP). This includes any specialized anatomical configurations developed for testing specific device applications. This level of IP protection isn’t always possible when working with third-party testing facilities or biological specimens.
For medtech companies seeking efficient, repeatable, and cost-effective testing solutions, artificial anatomical models represent a powerful tool in the development process. While they don’t completely replace the need for biological testing, they provide an invaluable platform for iterative development, early validation, and thorough device testing under controlled conditions. With our in-house capabilities, we’re able to work closely with your team to build a solution that accelerates your development timeline.