Generic design of an anatomical heart model optimized for additive manufacturing with silicone

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Riedle ◽  
Ahmed Ghazy ◽  
Anna Seufert ◽  
Vera Seitz ◽  
Bernhard Dorweiler ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this study is the generation of a thorough generic heart model optimized for direct 3D printing with silicone elastomers. Design/methodology/approach The base of the model design is segmentation of CT data, followed by a generic adaption and a constructive enhancement. The model is 3D printed with silicone. An evaluation of the physical model gives indications about its benefits and weaknesses. Findings The results show the feasibility of a generic design while maintaining anatomical correctness and the benefit of the generic approach to quickly derive a multiplicity of healthy and pathological versions from one single model. The material properties of the silicone model are sufficient for simulation, but the results of the evaluation indicate possible improvements, as for most anatomical features, the used silicone is too hard and too stretchable. Originality/value Previous developments mostly focus on patient-specific heart models. In contrast, this study sets out to explore the possibility and benefits of a generic approach. Standardized validated models would allow comparability in surgical simulation.

Author(s):  
Jelle Man ◽  
Jos Maessen ◽  
Peyman Sardari Nia

Abstract OBJECTIVES Simulation-based training has shown to be effective in training new surgical skills. The objective of this study is to develop a flexible 3-dimensional (3D)-printed heart model that can serve as a foundation for the simulation of multiple cardiovascular procedures. METHODS Using a pre-existing digital heart model, 3D transoesophageal echocardiography scans and a thoracic CT scan, a full volume new heart model was developed. The valves were removed from this model, and the internal structures were remodelled to make way for insertable patient-specific structures. Groves at the location of the coronaries were created using extrusion tools in a computer-modelling program. The heart was hollowed to create a more flexible model. A suitable material and thickness was determined using prior test prints. An aortic root and valve was built by segmenting the root from a thoracic CT scan and a valve from a transoesophageal echocardiogram. Segmentations were smoothed, small holes in the valves were filled and surrounding structures were removed to make the objects suitable for 3D printing. RESULTS A hollow 3D-printed heart model with the wall thicknesses of 1.5 mm and spaces to insert coronary arteries, valves and aortic roots in various sizes was successfully printed in flexible material. CONCLUSIONS A flexible 3D-printed model of the heart was developed onto which patient-specific cardiac structures can be attached to simulate multiple procedures. This model can be used as a platform for surgical simulation of various cardiovascular procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. e239192
Author(s):  
Jayanthi Parthasarathy ◽  
Eric A Sribnick ◽  
Mai-Lan Ho ◽  
Allan Beebe

3D-printed patient-specific models provide added value for initial clinical diagnosis, preoperative surgical and implant planning and patient and trainee education. 3D spine models are usually designed using CT data, due to the ability to rapidly image osseous structures with high spatial resolution. Combining CT and MRI to derive a composite model of bony and neurological anatomy can potentially provide even more useful information for complex cases. We describe such a case involving an adolescent with a grade V spondylolisthesis in which a composite model was manufactured for preoperative and intraoperative evaluation and guidance. We provide a detailed workflow for creating such models and outline their potential benefit in guiding a multidisciplinary team approach.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Marconi ◽  
Valeria Mauri ◽  
Erika Negrello ◽  
Luigi Pugliese ◽  
Andrea Pietrabissa ◽  
...  

Blood vessels anastomosis is one of the most challenging and delicate tasks to learn in many surgical specialties, especially for vascular and abdominal surgeons. Such a critical skill implies a learning curve that goes beyond technical execution. The surgeon needs to gain proficiency in adapting gestures and the amount of force expressed according to the type of tissue he/she is dealing with. In this context, surgical simulation is gaining a pivotal role in the training of surgeons, but currently available simulators can provide only standard or simplified anatomies, without the chance of presenting specific pathological conditions and rare cases. 3D printing technology, allowing the manufacturing of extremely complex geometries, find a perfect application in the production of realistic replica of patient-specific anatomies. According to available technologies and materials, morphological aspects can be easily handled, while the reproduction of tissues mechanical properties still poses major problems, especially when dealing with soft tissues. The present work focuses on blood vessels, with the aim of identifying – by means of both qualitative and quantitative tests – materials combinations able to best mimic the behavior of the biological tissue during anastomoses, by means of J750™ Digital Anatomy™ technology and commercial photopolymers from Stratasys. Puncture tests and stitch traction tests are used to quantify the performance of the various formulations. Surgical simulations involving anastomoses are performed on selected clinical cases by surgeons to validate the results. A total of 37 experimental materials were tested and 2 formulations were identified as the most promising solutions to be used for anastomoses simulation. Clinical applicative tests, specifically selected to challenge the new materials, raised additional issues on the performance of the materials to be considered for future developments.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 678-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maureen van Eijnatten ◽  
Ferco Henricus Berger ◽  
Pim de Graaf ◽  
Juha Koivisto ◽  
Tymour Forouzanfar ◽  
...  

Purpose Additive manufactured (AM) skull models are increasingly used to plan complex surgical cases and design custom implants. The accuracy of such constructs depends on the standard tessellation language (STL) model, which is commonly obtained from computed tomography (CT) data. The aims of this study were to assess the image quality and the accuracy of STL models acquired using different CT scanners and acquisition parameters. Design/methodology/approach Images of three dry human skulls were acquired using two multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) scanners, a dual energy computed tomography (DECT) scanner and one cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner. Different scanning protocols were used on each scanner. All images were ranked according to their image quality and converted into STL models. The STL models were compared to gold standard models. Findings Image quality differed between the MDCT, DECT and CBCT scanners. Images acquired using low-dose MDCT protocols were preferred over images acquired using routine protocols. All CT-based STL models demonstrated non-uniform geometrical deviations of up to +0.9 mm. The largest deviations were observed in CBCT-derived STL models. Practical implications While patient-specific AM constructs can be fabricated with great accuracy using AM technologies, their design is more challenging because it is dictated by the correctness of the STL model. Inaccurate STL models can lead to ill-fitting implants that can cause complications after surgery. Originality/value This paper suggests that CT imaging technologies and their acquisition parameters affect the accuracy of medical AM constructs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (8) ◽  
pp. 1363-1370
Author(s):  
Jaeyoung Kwon ◽  
Guk Bae Kim ◽  
Sunah Kang ◽  
Younghwa Byeon ◽  
Ho-Seok Sa ◽  
...  

Purpose Extrinsic trauma to the orbit may cause a blowout or orbital fracture, which often requires surgery for reconstruction of the orbit and repositioning of the eyeball with an implant. Post-operative complications, however, are high with the most frequent cause of complications being a mismatch of the position and shape of the implant and fracture. These mismatches may be reduced by computed tomography (CT) based modeling and three-dimensional (3D) printed guide. Therefore, the aim of this study is to propose and evaluate a patient-specific guide to shape an orbital implant using 3D printing. Design/methodology/approach Using CT images of a patient, an orbital fracture can be modeled to design an implant guide for positioning and shaping of the surface and boundaries of the implant. The guide was manufactured using UV curable plastic at 0.032 mm resolution by a 3D printer. The accuracy of this method was evaluated by micro-CT scanning of the surgical guides and shaping implants. Findings The length and depth of the 3D model, press-compressed and decompressed implants were compared. The mean differences in length were 0.67 ± 0.38 mm, 0.63 ± 0.28 mm and 0.10 ± 0.10 mm, and the mean differences in depth were 0.64 ± 0.37 mm, 1.22 ± 0.56 mm and 0.57 ± 0.23 mm, respectively. Statistical evaluation was performed with a Bland-Altman plot. Originality/value This study suggests a patient-specific guide to shape an orbital implant using 3D printing and evaluate the guiding accuracy of the implant versus the planned model.


2020 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2020-015990
Author(s):  
Vitor Nagai Yamaki ◽  
Nicole Mariantonia Cancelliere ◽  
Patrick Nicholson ◽  
Marta Rodrigues ◽  
Ivan Radovanovic ◽  
...  

BackgroundWith the recent advent of advanced technologies in the field, treatment of neurovascular diseases using endovascular techniques is rapidly evolving. Here we describe our experience with pre-surgical simulation using the Biomodex EVIAS patient-specific 3D-printed models to plan aneurysm treatment using endovascular robotics and novel flow diverter devices.MethodsPre-procedural rehearsals with 3D-printed patient-specific models of eight cases harboring brain aneurysms were performed before the first in-human experiences. To assess the reliability of the experimental model, the characteristics of the aneurysms were compared between the patient and 3D models. The rehearsals were used to define the patient treatment plan, including technique, device sizing, and operative working projections.ResultsThe study included eight patients with their respective EVIAS 3D aneurysm models. Pre-operative simulation was performed for the first in-human robotic-assisted neurovascular interventions (n=2) and new generation flow-diverter stents (n=6). Aneurysms were located in both the anterior (n=5) and posterior (n=3) circulation and were on average 11.0±6.5 mm in size. We found reliable reproduction of the aneurysm features and similar dimensions of the parent vessel anatomy between the 3D models and patient anatomy. Information learned from pre-surgical in vitro simulation are described in detail, including an improved patient treatment plan, which contributed to successful first in-world procedures with no intraprocedural complications.ConclusionsPre-procedural rehearsal using patient-specific 3D models provides precise procedure planning, which can potentially lead to greater operator confidence, decreased radiation dose and improvements in patient safety, particularly in first in-human experiences.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-143
Author(s):  
Juan C Ospina ◽  
Alejandro Fandiño ◽  
Santiago Hernández ◽  
Luis F Uriza ◽  
Diego Aragonéz ◽  
...  

Aim: To determine the usefulness of low-cost 3D-printed pediatric temporal bone models and to define if they could be used as a tool for large-scale surgical training based on their affordability. Materials & methods: Prototypes of a pediatric temporal bone were printed using fused deposition modeling 3D printing technique. The prototypes were drilled. The surgical simulation experience was registered by means of a Likert scale questionnaire. Results: The prototypes adequately simulated a cadaveric temporal bone. The costs associated with production were low compared with other commercial models making it a cost-effective alternative for a temporal bone laboratory. Conclusion: Printed temporal bones created by means of fused deposition modeling are useful for surgical simulation and training in otolaryngology, and it is possible to achieve detailed low-cost models.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristy Henson ◽  
Paul Constantino ◽  
F. Robin O’Keefe ◽  
Greg Popovich

Purpose The topic of human skeletal analysis is a sensitive subject in North America. Laws and regulations surrounding research of human skeletal material make it difficult to use these remains to characterize various populations. Recent technology has the potential to solve this dilemma. Three-dimensional (3D) scanning creates virtual models of this material, and stores the information, allowing future studies on the material. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach To assess the potential of this methodology, the authors compared processing time, accuracy and costs of computer tomography (CT) scanner to the Artec Eva portable 3D surface scanner. Using both methodologies the authors scanned and 3D printed one adult individual. The authors hypothesize that the Artec Eva will create digital replicas of <5 percent error based on Buikstra and Ubelaker standard osteometric measurements. Error was tested by comparing the measurements of the skeletal material to the Artec data, CT data and 3D printed data. Findings Results show that larger bones recorded by the Artec Eva have <5 percent error of the original specimen while smaller more detailed images have >5 percent error. The CT images are closer to <5 percent accuracy, with few bones still >5 percent error. The Artec Eva scanner is inexpensive in comparison to a CT machine, but takes twice as long to process the Eva’s data. The Artec Eva is sufficient in replication of larger elements, but the CT machine is still a preferable means of skeletal replication, particularly for small elements. Originality/value This research paper is unique because it compares two common forms of digitization, which has not been done. The authors believe this paper would be of value to natural history curators and various researchers.


Author(s):  
Daniil I. Nikitichev ◽  
Premal Patel ◽  
James Avery ◽  
Louis J. Robertson ◽  
Thore M. Bucking ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carina Hopfner ◽  
Andre Jakob ◽  
Anja Tengler ◽  
Maximilian Grab ◽  
Nikolaus Thierfelder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background 3D printed models of pediatric hearts with congenital heart disease have been proven helpful in simulation training of diagnostic and interventional catheterization. However, anatomically accurate 3D printed models are traditionally based on real scans of clinical patients requiring specific imaging techniques, i.e., CT or MRI. In small children both imaging technologies are rare as minimization of radiation and sedation is key. 3D sonography does not (yet) allow adequate imaging of the entire heart for 3D printing. Therefore, an alternative solution to create variant 3D printed heart models for teaching and hands-on training has been established. Methods In this study different methods utilizing image processing and computer aided design software have been established to overcome this shortage and to allow unlimited variations of 3D heart models based on single patient scans. Patient-specific models based on a CT or MRI image stack were digitally modified to alter the original shape and structure of the heart. Thereby, 3D hearts showing various pathologies were created. Training models were adapted to training level and aims of hands-on workshops, particularly for interventional cardiology. Results By changing the shape and structure of the original anatomy, various training models were created of which four examples are presented in this paper: 1. Design of perimembranous and muscular ventricular septal defect on a heart model with patent ductus arteriosus, 2. Series of heart models with atrial septal defect showing the long-term hemodynamic effect of the congenital heart defect on the right atrial and ventricular wall, 3. Implementation of simplified heart valves and addition of the myocardium to a right heart model with pulmonary valve stenosis, 4. Integration of a constructed 3D model of the aortic valve into a pulsatile left heart model with coarctation of the aorta. All presented models have been successfully utilized and evaluated in teaching or hands-on training courses. Conclusions It has been demonstrated that non-patient-specific anatomical variants can be created by modifying existing patient-specific 3D heart models. This way, a range of pathologies can be modeled based on a single CT or MRI dataset. Benefits of designed 3D models for education and training purposes have been successfully applied in pediatric cardiology but can potentially be transferred to simulation training in other medical fields as well.


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