2019 Grant Continuation- John Hopkins

In 2015 the Brianna Marie Foundation and Fetal Health Foundation funded a purchase of a 3D printer to be used with ultrasound to “print” a baby abnormalities that was diagnosed with spina bifida so that the surgeons were best prepared for surgery offering the least invasive options. They had a very successful outcome and data as a result of the 2015 study.

The Brianna Marie Foundation provided additional funding in July 2019 to complete the next phase, which is creation of a digital library of fetal spina bifida lesions and optimizing the dimensions, form, and materials of the fetal host model. Although they have initiated the process, refinement of the model requires additional collaboration with colleagues in the Carnegie Center for Surgical Innovation. Funding will allow their direct support as well the option to generate several prototypes in order to create a final product.