How can doctors train for a vascular operation, which is both extremely tricky and unique to your anatomy? Simple, by using 3D printing.

Physicians and researchers in Buffalo have worked with 3D printer maker Stratasys to develop a method of printing out a patient's complete vascular system in just 24 hours in order to practice navigating it prior to actual surgery. They are working with the The Jacobs Institute, the Kaleida Health's Gates Vascular Institute and biomedical engineers at the University at Buffalo to create the full-body vasculature models.

Teresa Flint, a 47-year-old mother of three, was among the first patients helped through the use of a 3D printed model of her vascular system. Here is her story.