Getting to grips with 3D printed bones: Using 3D models as ‘diagrams’ to improve accessibility of palaeopathological data

As comparative data on the precision of 3D-printed anatomical models are sparse, the aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-printed models of vascular anatomy generated by two commonly used printing technologies. Thirty-five 3D models of large (aortic, wall thickness of 2 mm, n = 30) and small (coronary, wall thickness of 1.25 mm, n = 5) vessels printed with fused deposition modeling (FDM) (rigid, n = 20) and PolyJet (flexible, n = 15) technology were subjected to high-resolution CT scans. From the resulting DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) dataset, an STL file was generated and wall thickness as well as surface congruency were compared with the original STL file using dedicated 3D engineering software. The mean wall thickness for the large-scale aortic models was 2.11 µm (+5%), and 1.26 µm (+0.8%) for the coronary models, resulting in an overall mean wall thickness of +5% for all 35 3D models when compared to the original STL file. The mean surface deviation was found to be +120 µm for all models, with +100 µm for the aortic and +180 µm for the coronary 3D models, respectively. Both printing technologies were found to conform with the currently set standards of accuracy (<1 mm), demonstrating that accurate 3D models of large and small vessel anatomy can be generated by both FDM and PolyJet printing technology using rigid and flexible polymers.

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Accessing 3D Printed Vascular Phantoms for Procedural Simulation

Frontiers in Surgery ◽

10.3389/fsurg.2020.626212 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Jasamine Coles-Black ◽

Damien Bolton ◽

Jason Chuen

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

Endovascular Procedures ◽

Low Cost ◽

3D Models ◽

Routine Care ◽

Aortic Aneurysms ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Ct Angiogram ◽

Abdominal Aortic ◽

3D Printed

Introduction: 3D printed patient-specific vascular phantoms provide superior anatomical insights for simulating complex endovascular procedures. Currently, lack of exposure to the technology poses a barrier for adoption. We offer an accessible, low-cost guide to producing vascular anatomical models using routine CT angiography, open source software packages and a variety of 3D printing technologies.Methods: Although applicable to all vascular territories, we illustrate our methodology using Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) due to the strong interest in this area. CT aortograms acquired as part of routine care were converted to representative patient-specific 3D models, and then printed using a variety of 3D printing technologies to assess their material suitability as aortic phantoms. Depending on the technology, phantoms cost $20–$1,000 and were produced in 12–48 h. This technique was used to generate hollow 3D printed thoracoabdominal aortas visible under fluoroscopy.Results: 3D printed AAA phantoms were a valuable addition to standard CT angiogram reconstructions in the simulation of complex cases, such as short or very angulated necks, or for positioning fenestrations in juxtarenal aneurysms. Hollow flexible models were particularly useful for device selection and in planning of fenestrated EVAR. In addition, these models have demonstrated utility other settings, such as patient education and engagement, and trainee and anatomical education. Further study is required to establish a material with optimal cost, haptic and fluoroscopic fidelity.Conclusion: We share our experiences and methodology for developing inexpensive 3D printed vascular phantoms which despite material limitations, successfully mimic the procedural challenges encountered during live endovascular surgery. As the technology continues to improve, 3D printed vascular phantoms have the potential to disrupt how endovascular procedures are planned and taught.

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Design and Development of 3D Printed Teaching Aids for Architecture Education

Architecture and Design ◽

10.4018/978-1-5225-7314-2.ch016 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 457-475

Author(s):

Min Jeong Song ◽

Euna Ha ◽

Sang-Kwon Goo ◽

JaeKyung Cho

Keyword(s):

3D Printing ◽

3D Modeling ◽

3D Models ◽

Design And Development ◽

Architecture Education ◽

Teaching Aids ◽

Current State ◽

Practice Based Research ◽

Research Findings ◽

3D Printed

This article describes how the implementation of 3D printing in classrooms has brought many opportunities to educators as it provides affordability and accessibility in creating and customizing teaching aids. The study reports on the process of fabricating teaching aids for architecture education using 3D printing technologies. The practice-based research intended to illustrate the making process from initial planning, 3D modeling to 3D printing with practical examples, and addresses the potential induced by the technologies. Based on the investigation into the current state of 3D printing technologies in education, limitations were identified before the making process. The researchers created 3D models in both digital and tangible forms and the process was documented in textual and pictorial formats. It is expected that the research findings will serve as a guideline for other educators to create 3D printed teaching aids, particularly architectural forms.

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Virtual Prototyping: Computational Device Placements within Detailed Human Heart Models

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app10010175 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 175

Author(s):

Alex J. Deakyne ◽

Tinen L. Iles ◽

Alexander R. Mattson ◽

Paul A. Iaizzo

Keyword(s):

Anatomical Study ◽

3D Models ◽

Anatomical Models ◽

Cardiac Tissues ◽

Patient Demographics ◽

Wide Range ◽

Specific Device ◽

Mri Scans ◽

3D Printed ◽

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Mri

Data relative to anatomical measurements, spatial relationships, and device–tissue interaction are invaluable to medical device designers. However, obtaining these datasets from a wide range of anatomical specimens can be difficult and time consuming, forcing designers to make decisions on the requisite shapes and sizes of a device from a restricted number of specimens. The Visible Heart® Laboratories have a unique library of over 500 perfusion-fixed human cardiac specimens from organ donors whose hearts (and or lungs) were not deemed viable for transplantation. These hearts encompass a wide variety of pathologies, patient demographics, surgical repairs, and/or interventional procedures. Further, these specimens are an important resource for anatomical study, and their utility may be augmented via generation of 3D computational anatomical models, i.e., from obtained post-fixation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In order to optimize device designs and procedural developments, computer generated models of medical devices and delivery tools can be computationally positioned within any of the generated anatomical models. The resulting co-registered 3D models can be 3D printed and analyzed to better understand relative interfaces between a specific device and cardiac tissues within a large number of diverse cardiac specimens that would be otherwise unattainable.

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Effect of 3D Manipulatives on Students with Visual Impairments Who Are Learning Chemistry Constructs: A Pilot Study

Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness ◽

10.1177/0145482x20953266 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 114 (5) ◽

pp. 370-381

Author(s):

Derrick W. Smith ◽

Sandra A. Lampley ◽

Bob Dolan ◽

Greg Williams ◽

David Schleppenbach ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Education ◽

3D Model ◽

Atomic Orbital ◽

Visual Impairments ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Specific Content ◽

3D Printed ◽

Printed Materials ◽

Tactile Graphics

Introduction: The emerging technology of three-dimensional (3D) printing has the potential to provide unique 3D modeling to support specific content in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, particularly chemistry. Method: Seventeen ( n = 17) students with visual impairments were provided direct instruction on chemistry atomic orbital content and allowed to use either print or tactile graphics or 3D models in rotating order. Participants were asked specific content questions based upon the atomic orbitals. Results: The students were asked two sets of comprehension questions: general and specific. Overall, students’ responses for general questions increased per iteration regardless of which manipulative was used. For specific questions, the students answered more questions correctly when using the 3D model regardless of order. When asked about their perceptions toward the manipulatives, the students preferred the 3D model over print or tactile graphics. Discussion: The findings show the potential for 3D printed materials in learning complex STEM content. Although the students preferred the 3D models, they all mentioned that a combination of manipulatives helped them better understand the material. Implications for practitioners: Practitioners should consider the use of manipulatives that include 3D printed materials to support STEM education.

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Performance of 3D computers and 3D printed models as a fundamental means for spatial engineering information visualization

Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering ◽

10.1139/cjce-2014-0019 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 41 (10) ◽

pp. 869-877 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Gabriel B. Dadi ◽

Timothy R.B. Taylor ◽

Paul M. Goodrum ◽

William F. Maloney

Keyword(s):

Computer Aided Design ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

The Body ◽

Information Modeling ◽

Simple Task ◽

Great Opportunity ◽

Cad Models ◽

Engineering Information ◽

3D Printed

Engineering information delivery can be a source of inefficient communication of design, leading to construction rework and lower worker morale. Due to errors, omissions, and misinterpretations, there remains a great opportunity to improve the traditional documentation of engineering information that craft professionals use to complete their work. Historically, physical three dimensional (3D) models built by hand provided 3D physical representations of the project to assist in sequencing, visualization, and planning of critical construction activities. This practice has greatly diminished since the adoption of 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and building information modeling technologies. Recently, additive manufacturing (a.k.a. 3D printing) technologies have allowed for three dimensional printing of 3D CAD models. A cognitive experiment was established to measure the effectiveness of 2D drawings, a 3D computer model, and a 3D printed model in delivering engineering information to an end-user are scientifically measured. The 3D printed model outperformed the 2D drawings and 3D computer interface in productivity measures. This paper’s primary contribution to the body of knowledge is identification of how different mediums of engineering information influence the performance of a simple task execution.

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Custom Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Printed Mitral Valve Models for Pre-Operative Patient Education Enhance Patient Satisfaction and Understanding

Journal of Medical Devices ◽

10.1115/1.4043737 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Kay S. Hung ◽

Michael J. Paulsen ◽

Hanjay Wang ◽

Camille Hironaka ◽

Y. Joseph Woo

Keyword(s):

Patient Education ◽

Mitral Valve ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Imaging Data ◽

Anatomical Models ◽

Mitral Valves ◽

Flexible Polymer ◽

3D Printed

In recent years, advances in medical imaging and three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing techniques have increased the use of 3D-printed anatomical models for surgical planning, device design and testing, customization of prostheses, and medical education. Using 3D-printing technology, we generated patient-specific models of mitral valves from their pre-operative cardiac imaging data and utilized these custom models to educate patients about their anatomy, disease, and treatment. Clinical 3D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography images were acquired from patients referred for mitral valve repair surgery and segmented using 3D modeling software. Patient-specific mitral valves were 3D-printed using a flexible polymer material to mimic the precise geometry and tissue texture of the relevant anatomy. 3D models were presented to patients at their pre-operative clinic visit and patient education was performed using either the 3D model or the standard anatomic illustrations. Afterward, patients completed questionnaires assessing knowledge and satisfaction. Responses were calculated based on a 1–5 Likert scale and analyzed using a nonparametric Mann–Whitney test. Twelve patients were presented with a patient-specific 3D-printed mitral valve model in addition to standard education materials and twelve patients were presented with only standard educational materials. The mean survey scores were 64.2 (±1.7) and 60.1 (±5.9), respectively (p = 0.008). The use of patient-specific anatomical models positively impacts patient education and satisfaction, and is a feasible method to open new opportunities in precision medicine.

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Three-Dimensional Printing of Prenatal Ultrasonographic Diagnosis of Cleft Lip and Palate: Presenting the Needed “Know-How” and Discussing Its Use in Parental Education

The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal ◽

10.1177/1055665620926348 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 57 (8) ◽

pp. 1041-1044

Author(s):

Matthias Schlund ◽

Jean-Marc Levaillant ◽

Romain Nicot

Keyword(s):

Parental Education ◽

Cleft Lip ◽

Cleft Lip And Palate ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

3D Models ◽

Prenatal Counseling ◽

Three Dimensional Printing ◽

3D Printed ◽

3D Information ◽

Dimensional Printing

Parental prenatal counseling is of paramount significance since parents often experience an emotional crisis with feelings of disappointment and helplessness. Three-dimensional (3D) printed model of the unborn child’s face presenting with cleft lip and palate, based on ultrasonographic information, could be used to provide visual 3D information, further enhancing the prospective parent’s comprehension of their unborn child’s pathology and morphology, helping them to be psychologically prepared and improving the communication with the caretaking team. Prospective parents appreciate if prenatal counseling is available with the most detailed information as well as additional resources. The technique necessary to create 3D models after ultrasonographic information is explained, and the related costs are evaluated. The use of such models in parental education is then discussed.

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Novel measurement tool and model for aberrant urinary stream in 3D printed urethras derived from human tissue

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0241507 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (11) ◽

pp. e0241507

Author(s):

Andrew J. Cohen ◽

German Patino ◽

Mehran Mirramezani ◽

Sudarshan Srirangapatanam ◽

Anas Tresh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dynamic Models ◽

Fluid Dynamic ◽

3D Models ◽

Relative Vorticity ◽

Measurement Tool ◽

Clinical Tool ◽

Urinary Stream ◽

Distal Obstruction ◽

3D Printed ◽

The Impact

Background An estimated 10% of male adults have split or dribbled stream leading to poor hygiene, embarrassment, and inconvenience. There is no current metric that measures male stream deviation. Objective To develop a novel method to measure spray in normal and abnormal anatomical conformations. Design, setting, and participants We developed a novel platform to reliably describe spray. We used cadaveric tissues and 3D Printed models to study the impact of meatal shape on the urinary stream. Cadaveric penile tissue and 3D printed models were affixed to a fluid pump and used to simulate micturition. Dye captured on fabric allowed for spray detection. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Spray pattern area, deviation from normal location, and flowrates were recorded. Computational fluid dynamic models were created to study fluid vorticity. Results and limitations Obstructions at the penile tip worsened spray dynamics and reduced flow. Ventral meatotomy improved flowrate (p<0.05) and reduced spray (p<0.05) compared to tips obstructed ventrally, dorsally or in the fossa navicularis. 3D models do not fully reproduce parameters of their parent cadaver material. The average flowrate from 3D model was 10ml/sec less than that of the penis from which it was derived (p = 0.03). Nonetheless, as in cadavers, increasing obstruction in 3D models leads to the same pattern of reduced flowrate and worse spray. Dynamic modeling revealed increasing distal obstruction was correlated to higher relative vorticity observed at the urethral tip. Conclusions We developed a robust method to measure urine spray in a research setting. Dynamic 3D printed models hold promise as a methodology to study common pathologies in the urethra and corrective surgeries on the urine stream that would not be feasible in patients. These novel methods require further validation, but offer promise as a research and clinical tool.

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3D Printed Patient-Specific Complex Hip Arthroplasty Models Streamline the Preoperative Surgical Workflow: A Pilot Study

Frontiers in Surgery ◽

10.3389/fsurg.2021.687379 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Michael Jiang ◽

Jasamine Coles-Black ◽

Gordon Chen ◽

Matthew Alexander ◽

Jason Chuen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

Hip Arthroplasty ◽

Planning Process ◽

Cost Benefit ◽

3D Models ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Risk Environment ◽

Surgical Workflow ◽

Operative Planning ◽

3D Printed

Introduction: Surgical planning for complex total hip arthroplasty (THA) often presents a challenge. Definitive plans can be difficult to decide upon, requiring unnecessary equipment to be ordered and a long theatre list booked. We present a pilot study utilising patient-specific 3D printed models as a method of streamlining the pre-operative planning process.Methods: Complex patients presenting for THA were referred to the research team. Patient-specific 3D models were created from routine Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. Simulated surgery was performed to guide prosthesis selection, sizing and the surgical plan.Results: Seven patients were referred for this pilot study, presenting with complex conditions with atypical anatomy. Surgical plans provided by the 3D models were more detailed and accurate when compared to 2D CT and X ray imaging. Streamlined equipment selection was of great benefit, with augments avoided post simulation in three cases. The ability to tackle complex surgical problems outside of the operating theatre also flagged potential complications, while also providing teaching opportunities in a low risk environment.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 3D printed models can improve the surgical plan and streamline operative logistics. Further studies investigating the optimal 3D printing material and workflow, along with cost-benefit analyses are required before this process is ready for routine use.

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