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Published on: September 19, 2014
Biomimetic tissue phantoms for neurosurgical near-infrared fluorescence imaging
David Burgos1, Bennett Blumenkopf1, Ali Afshari1
1Food and Drug Administration, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.
Significance:
Neurosurgical fluorescence imaging is a well-established clinical approach with a growing range of indications for use. However, this technology lacks effective phantom-based tools for development, performance testing, and clinician training.
Aim:
Our primary aim was to develop and evaluate 3D-printed phantoms capable of optically and morphologically simulating neurovasculature under fluorescence angiography.
Approach:
Volumetric digital maps of the circle of Willis with basilar and posterior communicator artery aneurysms, along with surrounding cerebral tissue, were generated. Phantoms were fabricated with a stereolithography printer using custom photopolymer composites, then visualized under white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.
Results:
Feature sizes of printed components were found to be within 13% of digital models. Phantoms exhibited realistic optical properties and convincingly recapitulated fluorescence angiography scenes.
Conclusions:
Methods identified in this study can facilitate the development of realistic phantoms as powerful new tools for fluorescence imaging.
