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3D Printed Model of Extrahepatic Biliary Ducts for Biliary Stent Testing
Joanna Thomas1, Sagar Patel1, Leia Troop1
1Biomedical Engineering Department, Mercer University, Macon, GA 31207, USA.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 30, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D printed extrahepatic bile duct model with realistic mechanical properties. This innovation enhances pre-clinical testing of biliary stents, improving bile duct stricture treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Development
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Inflammatory bile duct strictures impede bile flow, necessitating interventions.
- Current non-pharmacological treatments involve stent insertion via ERCP.
- Accurate in vitro models are crucial for effective stent prototype testing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To 3D print an anatomically accurate extrahepatic bile duct model (EHBD).
- To imbue the model with tissue-like mechanical properties for realistic testing.
- To improve pre-clinical evaluation of biliary stent prototypes.
Main Methods:
- Computer-aided design (CAD) was used to create the EHBD model.
- Formlabs SLA 3D printers were utilized with selected polymers.
- Mechanical properties of resins (FE, FF, FD) were tested post-exposure to various liquids.
Main Results:
- 3D printers reliably produced dimensionally accurate EHBD models.
- Formlabs Elastic (FE) resin exhibited the most suitable mechanical properties.
- FE models withstood stent deployment and connector insertion, offering good visualization.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D printed EHBD model offers realistic mechanical properties.
- This model facilitates improved pre-clinical in vitro testing of biliary stents.
- The study advances the development of effective treatments for bile duct strictures.
