CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School students expect a special visitor on Jan. 18. However, this one, though, lifelike, is not actually alive.
The artificial being, known as a SynDaver anatomy model, is an alternative to human cadavers for use in hospitals and medical schools.
The model is a realistic, full-scale replica of the human anatomy including all muscular, skeletal, organ, tendon and nervous system structures found in a typical human. It is composed of various materials such as water, salt and fiber, according to SynDaver’s website.
Dr. Tammy McKenzie, a health occupations instructor at CHS, said having the anatomy model is critical to her students’ success.
That’s because the synthetic human better represents living tissue compared to dead tissue found in cadavers and, if properly maintained, can last “virtually forever,” according to the website. This allows students to work with a lifelike body without the need for certain facilities or the risk of working on living patients. The use of a cadaver also exposes students to biohazardous waste not found in the synthetic model.
McKenzie and CHS haven’t purchased a model yet due to the product’s cost. Full-size models can cost upward of $100,000. She hopes to create partnerships with area hospitals and medical practices to assist in the purchasing of a synthetic human, according to a media release regarding the event.
SynDaver, founded in 2004, offers a wide range of synthetic body parts for educational purposes. Other full-size models include a surgical model that pumps artificial blood and simulates vitals, and a canine model for veterinary practice.
The company also offers smaller, more specific synthetic devices for training in cardiovascular skills, surgical cutting, airway management and several other medical procedures of various skill levels.
McKenzie will host two demonstrations of the anatomy model and a question-and-answer forum afterward. These will be the first demonstrations in Northwest Florida of this technology, according to the release.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High to welcome synthetic human