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Rapid prototyping in aortic surgery.
Petros Bangeas1, Grigorios Voulalas2, Kiriakos Ktenidis2
1Vascular Surgery Unit, 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, Ahepa University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece pbangeas@gmail.com.
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|January 25, 2016
Summary
3D printing creates precise anatomical models from computed tomographic angiography scans. These 3D models aid in surgical planning for abdominal aortic aneurysms, potentially preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- 3D printing enables the creation of multi-material parts with tailored properties.
- Accurate 3D anatomical models can reveal complex features, aiding surgical planning.
- Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) provides detailed vascular imaging.
Observation:
- CTA images of abdominal aortic aneurysms were converted to 3D models using Google SketchUp.
- A polylactic acid (PLA) 3D model of an abdominal aortic aneurysm was printed using a Makerbot.
- The printing process took 138 minutes, resulting in a precise replica of the CTA data.
Findings:
- The study successfully generated a cost-effective (1303.00 euros) 3D printed model of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- The 3D model accurately represented the complex anatomy visualized in CTA scans.
- The tactile model facilitated preoperative understanding of anatomical challenges.
Implications:
- 3D imaging and modeling enhance preoperative planning for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm cases.
- Tactile models derived from CTA can predict and prevent major surgical complications.
- Future research could focus on developing biocompatible, individualized 3D printed materials for medical applications.
