Embolization of visceral arterial aneurysms: Simulation with 3D-printed models

The present technical article aimed to describe the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D)-printed hollow vascular models as a tool in the preoperative simulation of endovascular embolization of visceral artery aneurysms.

From November 2015 to November 2016, four consecutive endovascular treatments of true visceral artery aneurysms were preoperatively simulated with 3D-printed hollow models. The mean age of the patients (one male and three females) was 54 (range: 40-71) years. Three patients presented with splenic artery aneurysm and one with anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm. The average diameter of the aneurysms was 16.5 (range: 10-25) mm. The 3D-printed hollow models of the visceral artery aneurysms and involved arteries were created using computed tomography angiography data of the patients. After establishing treatment plans by simulations with the 3D-printed models, all patients received endovascular treatment.

All four hollow aneurysm models were successfully fabricated and used in the preoperative simulation of endovascular treatment. In the preoperative simulations with 3D-printed hollow models, splenic aneurysms were embolized with coils and/or n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate to establish the actual treatment plans, and a small arterial branch originating from an anterior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm was selected to obtain feedback regarding the behavior of catheters and guidewires. After establishing treatment plans by simulations, the visceral artery aneurysms of all patients were successfully embolized without major complications and recanalization.

Simulation with 3D-printed hollow models can help establish an optimal treatment plan and may improve the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for visceral artery aneurysms.