Anatomical Reproducibility of a Head Model Molded by a Three-dimensional Printer

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cerebral aneurysms pose significant risks, necessitating precise surgical planning.
• Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) provides detailed vascular imaging.
• Rapid prototyping using 3D printing offers potential for creating patient-specific anatomical models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomical accuracy and reproducibility of 3D printed models of unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
• To compare 3D printed models against CTA images for microsurgical anatomy, vessel dimensions, and aneurysm size.
• To assess the utility of these models for neurosurgical simulation.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of 3D printed models from CTA data of 22 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms.
• Comparison of microsurgical anatomy (skull bone, arteries), vessel lengths and thicknesses, and aneurysm dimensions between 3D models and original CTA scans.
• Statistical analysis to determine significant differences in measurements.

Main Results:

• 3D printed models demonstrated favorable reproducibility of microsurgical anatomy, including skull bone and main arteries, with minor exceptions.
• No significant differences were found in the measured lengths of main arteries between models and CTA.
• Significant differences were observed in the thickness of main arteries (p < 0.001) and the longitudinal diameter of cerebral aneurysms (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• 3D printed models are valuable tools for neurosurgical simulation due to their favorable anatomical reproducibility.
• While useful, the accuracy of arterial thickness and aneurysm size in 3D models should be critically assessed.
• Consideration of errors in 3D models necessitates comprehensive judgment alongside other neuroimaging modalities for surgical planning.