New 3D-printed ‘bleeding’ torsos used to train trauma surgeons

By Nathan Pynn

Surgeons are being trained to save lives using eerily lifelike bodies that beat, breathe and bleed like real knife and gunshot victims.

The hi‑tech torsos allow trainee medics to practice emergency heart surgery against the clock - as fake blood pours from catastrophic chest wounds.

The models are designed to recreate the chaos of major trauma surgery, forcing surgeons to race to find the injury, stop the bleeding and stitch the heart before the “patient” dies.

Made from silicone rubber, gels and fibers, the bodies are so realistic that real surgical instruments can be used, with the chest opened and the heart repaired just as it would be in a real-life emergency.

More from this section

5 mental health trends for 2026: Closing the gap to access and care

Sleep apnea compromises far more than a good night’s rest – 2 neuroscientists outline the risks and the need for better diagnosis

How workplace stress hijacks the nervous system to cause headaches − and a neurologist’s guide to managing them

Research lead Dr. Richard Arm, of Nottingham Trent University, said: “The aim is to give trainee surgeons the opportunity to learn the technical aspects of emergency heart surgery in a safe environment, and to experience the time-pressure and tactile aspects of this life-saving operation.

“This technology can the simulate bleeding from a traumatic injury to a vital organ, providing the actual experience and limited visibility that surgeons must face on the operating table.”

The pulsating torsos are based on scan data from real patients and pump synthetic blood through the body, flooding the chest cavity until the injury is repaired.

After each operation, the bodies can be resealed and used again - with new injuries added so different areas of the heart can be operated on.

The project is co‑led by Adam Brooks OBE, Director of East Midlands Major Trauma Centre, who said: “The new models that we have developed bring together expertise of the Major Trauma Centre, MTIF and ARM to deliver lifelike training for surgical trainees. This combined initiative will save lives.”

Research assistant Andreea Pislaru added: “This technology will help maximise the chances of surgeons being able to save people’s lives by allowing them the space they need to practice this emergency operation and make them well prepared for real-life situations.”