scholarly journals 3D Printing of Rapid, Low-Cost and Patient-Specific Models of Brain Vasculature for Use in Preoperative Planning in Clipping of Intracranial Aneurysms

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 1201
Author(s):  
Maciej Błaszczyk ◽  
Redwan Jabbar ◽  
Bartosz Szmyd ◽  
Maciej Radek
Keyword(s):  
3D Visualization ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Urgent Care ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Stl File ◽  
3D Printed

We developed a practical and cost-effective method of production of a 3D-printed model of the arterial Circle of Willis of patients treated because of an intracranial aneurysm. We present and explain the steps necessary to produce a 3D model from medical image data, and express the significant value such models have in patient-specific pre-operative planning as well as education. A Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) viewer is used to create 3D visualization from a patient’s Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) images. After generating the reconstruction, we manually remove the anatomical components that we wish to exclude from the print by utilizing tools provided with the imaging software. We then export this 3D reconstructions file into a Standard Triangulation Language (STL) file which is then run through a “Slicer” software to generate a G-code file for the printer. After the print is complete, the supports created during the printing process are removed manually. The 3D-printed models we created were of good accuracy and scale. The median production time used for the models described in this manuscript was 4.4 h (range: 3.9–4.5 h). Models were evaluated by neurosurgical teams at local hospital for quality and practicality for use in urgent and non-urgent care. We hope we have provided readers adequate insight into the equipment and software they would require to quickly produce their own accurate and cost-effective 3D models from CT angiography images. It has become quite clear to us that the cost-benefit ratio in the production of such a simplified model is worthwhile.

scholarly journals Quality Control in 3D Printing: Accuracy Analysis of 3D-Printed Models of Patient-Specific Anatomy

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 1021
Author(s):  
Bernhard Dorweiler ◽  
Pia Elisabeth Baqué ◽  
Rayan Chaban ◽  
Ahmed Ghazy ◽  
Oroa Salem
Keyword(s):  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fused Deposition Modeling ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Stl File ◽  
Fused Deposition ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
The Mean

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.

scholarly journals Accessing 3D Printed Vascular Phantoms for Procedural Simulation

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.

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

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.

scholarly journals Multifunction control and evaluation of a 3D printed hand prosthesis with the Myo armband by hand amputees

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Cognolato ◽  
M. Atzori ◽  
C. Marchesin ◽  
S. Marangon ◽  
D. Faccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Simple Extension ◽  
Hand Prosthesis ◽  
Prosthetic Hands ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Myo Armband ◽  
3D Printed

AbstractUpper limb amputations are highly impairing injuries that can substantially limit the quality of life of a person. The most advanced dexterous prosthetic hands have remarkable mechanical features. However, in most cases, the control systems are a simple extension of basic control protocols, making the use of the prosthesis not intuitive and sometimes complex. Furthermore, the cost of dexterous prosthetic hands is often prohibitive, especially for the pediatric population and developing countries. 3D printed hand prostheses can represent an opportunity for the future. Open 3D models are increasingly being released, even for dexterous prostheses that are capable of moving each finger individually and actively rotating the thumb. However, the usage and test of such devices by hand amputees (using electromyography and classification methods) is not well explored. The aim of this article is to investigate the usage of a cost-effective system composed of a 3D printed hand prosthesis and a low-cost myoelectric armband. Two subjects with transradial amputation were asked to wear a custom-made socket supporting the HANDi Hand and the Thalmic Labs Myo armband. Afterwards, the subjects were asked to control and use the prosthetic hand to grasp several objects by attempting to perform a set of different hand gestures. Both the HANDi Hand and the Myo armband performed well during the test, which is encouraging considering that the HANDi Hand was developed as a research platform. The results are promising and show the feasibility of the multifunction control of dexterous 3D printed hand prostheses based on low-cost setups. Factors as the level of the amputation, neuromuscular fatigue and mechanical limitations of the 3D printed hand prosthesis can influence the performance of the setup. Practical aspects such as usability and robustness will need to be addressed for successful application in daily life. A video of the tests can be found at the following link:https://youtu.be/iPSCAbd17Qw

scholarly journals Complex wall modeling for hemodynamic simulations of intracranial aneurysms based on histologic images

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 597-607
Author(s):  
Annika Niemann ◽  
Samuel Voß ◽  
Riikka Tulamo ◽  
Simon Weigand ◽  
Bernhard Preim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wall Thickness ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Geometric Model ◽  
Image Data ◽  
Outer Wall ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Intracranial Vessel ◽  
Hemodynamic Simulations

Abstract Purpose For the evaluation and rupture risk assessment of intracranial aneurysms, clinical, morphological and hemodynamic parameters are analyzed. The reliability of intracranial hemodynamic simulations strongly depends on the underlying models. Due to the missing information about the intracranial vessel wall, the patient-specific wall thickness is often neglected as well as the specific physiological and pathological properties of the vessel wall. Methods In this work, we present a model for structural simulations with patient-specific wall thickness including different tissue types based on postmortem histologic image data. Images of histologic 2D slices from intracranial aneurysms were manually segmented in nine tissue classes. After virtual inflation, they were combined into 3D models. This approach yields multiple 3D models of the inner and outer wall and different tissue parts as a prerequisite for subsequent simulations. Result We presented a pipeline to generate 3D models of aneurysms with respect to the different tissue textures occurring in the wall. First experiments show that including the variance of the tissue in the structural simulation affect the simulation result. Especially at the interfaces between neighboring tissue classes, the larger influence of stiffer components on the stability equilibrium became obvious. Conclusion The presented approach enables the creation of a geometric model with differentiated wall tissue. This information can be used for different applications, like hemodynamic simulations, to increase the modeling accuracy.

scholarly journals An Innovative and Cost-Advantage CAD Solution for Cubitus Varus Surgical Planning in Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 4057
Author(s):  
Leonardo Frizziero ◽  
Gian Maria Santi ◽  
Christian Leon-Cardenas ◽  
Giampiero Donnici ◽  
Alfredo Liverani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Varus Deformity ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Cubitus Varus ◽  
Surgical Guide ◽  
Traditional Procedure ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Patient Specific Instruments

The study of CAD (computer aided design) modeling, design and manufacturing techniques has undergone a rapid growth over the past decades. In medicine, this development mainly concerned the dental and maxillofacial sectors. Significant progress has also been made in orthopedics with pre-operative CAD simulations, printing of bone models and production of patient-specific instruments. However, the traditional procedure that formulates the surgical plan based exclusively on two-dimensional images and interventions performed without the aid of specific instruments for the patient and is currently the most used surgical technique. The production of custom-made tools for the patient, in fact, is often expensive and its use is limited to a few hospitals. The purpose of this study is to show an innovative and cost-effective procedure aimed at prototyping a custom-made surgical guide for address the cubitus varus deformity on a pediatric patient. The cutting guides were obtained through an additive manufacturing process that starts from the 3D digital model of the patient’s bone and allows to design specific models using Creo Parametric. The result is a tool that adheres perfectly to the patient’s bone and guides the surgeon during the osteotomy procedure. The low cost of the methodology described makes it worth noticing by any health institution.

scholarly journals Hybrid Spine Simulator Prototype for X-ray Free Pedicle Screws Fixation Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1038
Author(s):  
Sara Condino ◽  
Giuseppe Turini ◽  
Virginia Mamone ◽  
Paolo Domenico Parchi ◽  
Vincenzo Ferrari
Keyword(s):  
Augmented Reality ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Lumbar Vertebrae ◽  
Pedicle Screws ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Harmful Radiation

Simulation for surgical training is increasingly being considered a valuable addition to traditional teaching methods. 3D-printed physical simulators can be used for preoperative planning and rehearsal in spine surgery to improve surgical workflows and postoperative patient outcomes. This paper proposes an innovative strategy to build a hybrid simulation platform for training of pedicle screws fixation: the proposed method combines 3D-printed patient-specific spine models with augmented reality functionalities and virtual X-ray visualization, thus avoiding any exposure to harmful radiation during the simulation. Software functionalities are implemented by using a low-cost tracking strategy based on fiducial marker detection. Quantitative tests demonstrate the accuracy of the method to track the vertebral model and surgical tools, and to coherently visualize them in either the augmented reality or virtual fluoroscopic modalities. The obtained results encourage further research and clinical validation towards the use of the simulator as an effective tool for training in pedicle screws insertion in lumbar vertebrae.

An Initial Effort to Create a Superficial Femoral Artery Ultrasound Phantom Using 3-Dimensional Printing

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-73
Author(s):  
Paul D. Bishop ◽  
Thomas Fultz ◽  
Lisa Smith ◽  
Ryan S. Klatte ◽  
Francis Loth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Printing ◽  
Femoral Artery ◽  
Superficial Femoral Artery ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Duplex Ultrasound ◽  
3D Print ◽  
Stl File ◽  
Calcified Plaque ◽  
3D Printed ◽  
Artery Geometry

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of anatomical structures has yielded valuable models for simulation, education, and surgical planning applications. Applications for 3D printing have continued to expand to include some ultrasound applications. The goal of this effort was to evaluate if a 3D printed model of a superficial femoral artery (SFA) would have realistic ultrasound characteristics. A computed tomography scan was 3D reconstructed and segmented using TeraRecon Aquarius Intuition software (TeraRecon, Foster City, California) to obtain an atherosclerotic SFA geometry. Both the lumen geometry and calcified plaque geometry of the SFA were exported as a stereolithographic (STL) file. The STL file was printed with An Object350 Connex 3D System using 2 different materials selected based on published elastic modulus data. VeroWhite was selected for the calcified plaque and TangoPlus Clear was selected for the artery wall. After printing, the SFA model was imaged in a water bath with a Phillips IU22 duplex ultrasound console and L12-9 ultrasound probe. Ultrasound imaging of the SFA model yielded grayscale views of artery geometry. Lumen geometry of the SFA model was similar to the actual artery geometry. Ultrasound was able to discern between the 3D print materials and visualize regions with stenosis. Suboptimal ultrasound parameters of echogenicity and wave velocity noted to differ from biological tissue. Total 3D print material cost was estimated at below $20. Although the 3D printed model did not have fully accurate ultrasound characteristics, it still provided realistic imaging. With further research, 3D printed models may offer a low-cost alternative for ultrasound phantoms.

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

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.

Droplet generation in cross-flow for cost-effective 3D-printed “plug-and-play” microfluidic devices

RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (84) ◽  
pp. 81120-81129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jia Ming Zhang ◽  
Andres A. Aguirre-Pablo ◽  
Er Qiang Li ◽  
Ulrich Buttner ◽  
Sigurdur T. Thoroddsen
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cross Flow ◽  
Microfluidic Devices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Droplet Generation ◽  
Channel Design ◽  
Plug And Play ◽  
3D Printed

Novel low-cost 3D-printed plug-and-play microfluidic devices have been developed for droplet generation and applications. By combining a commercial tubing with the printed channel design we can generate well-controlled droplets down to 50 μm.

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