WATERLOO, Ont. – Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario is the recent recipient of two full-sized, multi-functional synthetic human models from SynDaver Labs in Tampa, Florida, making WLU the first institution in Canada to possess two full-body SynDaver Synthetic Humans.
The installation of the synthetic human models was completed Oct. 11 and will be utilized by undergraduate students, graduate students and high school students in the local area beginning Oct. 22.
The new human models will satisfy the need of improving student learning experiences by having a full-body synthetic model, allowing students to better understand the intricacies of the human body structure.
While the addition of the two synthetic humans supports the existing curriculum, WLU is planning on utilizing them for future course development and curriculum expansion.
Furthermore, the ownership of the two SynDaver surgical models will allow WLU to create an outreach program for area high schools and other post-secondary institutions to aid in their students’ learning capabilities about the human anatomy and increase awareness of programs at WLU’s Faculty of Science.
“Through the purchase of these synthetic humans, we can give a hands-on experience and enhance the students’ knowledge without the complications that come with setting up a traditional cadaver lab,” said Kristen McFall, Laboratory Coordinator at Wilfrid Laurier University. “We believe that the quality and detail of the SynDaver models will enhance our students’ understanding and experience.”
SynDaver’s synthetic humans, animals and task trainers imitate the anatomy of live patients in detail, including individual muscles, tendons, veins, arteries, nerves and organs, which are made from complex composites that emulates the properties of living tissue. The company’s synthetic tissues are comprised of water, fibers and salts. Each of these non-toxic, non-latex tissues have been validated for mechanical, physicochemical, thermal and dielectric properties against the relevant living tissue.
Currently used around the globe, SynDaver products are replacing live animals in development tests, replacing human cadavers in anatomy instruction, surgical training and mortuary science, and utilized by military medics and first responders in trauma scenarios, battlefield medical training and other life-support training situations.
For more information on Wilfrid Laurier University or their Faculty of Science programs, visit www.WLU.ca.
For more information on SynDaver or their synthetic human or animal cadavers, visit www.SynDaver.com.
About SynDaver
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, SynDaver is the world’s leading manufacturer of hyper-realistic, synthetic human and animal surgical trainers. SynDaver’s synthetic bodies simulate fully-functioning live organisms and are primarily used for training in schools, hospitals and military installations. SynDaver has the world’s largest database of live-tissue properties and all SynDaver tissues are made from water, salts and fibers. The company currently has 14 patents on these materials, processes and related products. Currently, SynDaver Labs employs more than 100 people at their facilities in the U.S. and is planning additional facilities in Europe, China, Brazil and India.
SynDaver products have been lauded by industry experts and earned a cult following after appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank, MythBusters, Grey’s Anatomy, and the series finale of CSI. The company's models are also expected to feature prominently in multiple episodes of the upcoming MythBusters 2.0.
