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A Brush-Spin-Coating Method for Fabricating In Vitro Patient-Specific Vascular Models by Coupling 3D-Printing
Qing-Zhuo Chi1, Li-Zhong Mu2, Ying He1
1Key Laboratory of Ocean Energy Utilization and Energy Conservation of Ministry of Education Affiliation, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, China.
Cardiovascular Engineering and Technology
|December 2, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a new method combining 3D printing and brush-spin-coating to create patient-specific vascular models with controllable thickness. These flexible vascular models aid in understanding hemodynamics and training neuroendovascular interventionalists.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Device Manufacturing
- Vascular Modeling
Background:
- In vitro vascular models are crucial for hemodynamic analysis and training in neuroendovascular interventions.
- Existing methods struggle to produce vascular models with uniform or controllable thickness.
- Patient-specific models are essential for accurate pre-procedural planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved, easily implemented method for fabricating transparent, flexible, patient-specific vascular models.
- To achieve controllable uniform or varied wall thickness in silicone vascular models.
- To enhance the utility of in vitro models for understanding hemodynamics and training.
Main Methods:
- A water-soluble inner skeleton was 3D printed based on clinical data.
- The skeleton underwent brush-spin-coating with silicone for thickness control.
- The inner skeleton was dissolved, leaving a transparent silicone vascular model.
Main Results:
- The method successfully produced vascular models with well-controlled uniform and varied thicknesses.
- Low relative standard deviations (5.6-8.1%) were achieved for thickness control in straight and aneurysm tubes.
- A patient-specific aortic arch model maintained consistent thickness (3.1% SD) despite diameter changes.
- A complex abdominal aortic aneurysm model exhibited targeted varied thicknesses (2-2.3 mm).
Conclusions:
- The brush-spin-coating method enables the manufacture of vascular models with precise thickness control.
- These patient-specific models of varying complexity are valuable for surgical strategy development.
- The developed technique aids in training neuroendovascular interventionalists for improved patient outcomes.
