Rapid prototyping compliant arterial phantoms for in-vitro studies and device testing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging
• Materials Science

Background:

• Vascular phantoms are crucial for in-vitro patient-specific experiments and device testing.
• TangoPlus FullCure 930, a rubber-like material, is suitable for PolyJet rapid prototyping.
• Preliminary data on TangoPlus distensibility is needed to assess its use in cardiovascular modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the distensibility of TangoPlus material for cardiovascular modeling.
• To assess the feasibility of creating patient-specific vascular phantoms using TangoPlus.
• To test applications of these phantoms in cardiovascular research and device testing.

Main Methods:

• A 3D model of a volunteer's descending aorta was created from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) images.
• Models with varying wall thicknesses (0.6-1.5 mm) were rapid prototyped using TangoPlus in vertical and horizontal orientations.
• Compliance tests involved monitoring pressure and volume changes to derive distensibility, followed by manufacturing patient-specific hypoplastic aorta and RVOT models.

Main Results:

• TangoPlus distensibility ranged from 6.5 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) (0.6 mm) to 3.0 × 10(-3) mmHg(-1) (1.5 mm).
• Vertically printed models exhibited greater compliance than horizontally printed ones.
• Feasible rapid prototyping of compliant hypoplastic aorta and RVOT models was achieved, with successful device insertion in the RVOT model.

Conclusions:

• TangoPlus material is suitable for arterial phantom fabrication due to its distensibility, PolyJet compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.
• The material allows for quick and inexpensive production of anatomically accurate vascular models.
• While suitable for arterial systems, TangoPlus may be too stiff for modeling the more compliant venous system.