Male Kidney Horseshoe

Description

A 3D model of a horseshoe kidney, a congenital anomaly where the lower poles of both kidneys are fused across the midline by a band of renal tissue or fibrous isthmus. The fused kidney sits lower than normal because the isthmus catches on the inferior mesenteric artery during embryonic ascent, preventing the kidneys from reaching their typical retroperitoneal position. Horseshoe kidney occurs in roughly 1 in 500 live births and is usually asymptomatic. The ureters pass anterior to the isthmus, which can predispose to ureteropelvic junction obstruction, stone formation, and urinary tract infections. The altered vascular anatomy presents challenges during abdominal surgery. The model is used in urology education, embryology teaching, and surgical planning. Reviewed by a medical advisory board. Clean geometry for rendering, real-time, and 3D printing.