3D-printed model of simulation for acute thrombus removal in peripheral arteries

Surgical training and evaluation of medical devices require simulation models. The aim of this study was to assess a 3D-printed model as a training model for peripheral endovascular procedures, including thromboaspiration in acute limb ischemia (ALI).

The 3D-simulation model was modeled from an aorta and lower limbs CT scan by segmentation of the arterial light. The 3D simulator was printed in multimaterial with photo-polymerizable resins (Polyjet). The simulator consisted of interchangeable cartridges intended to reproduce the lower limb vasculature. The simulator was connected to a pump to obtain a pulsative flow. A gelled product was positioned in a cartridge just above a stenosis in order to simulate an ALI by in-situ thrombosis. Vascular interventionalists should perform a thrombo-aspiration (Indigo^®, Penumbra Inc., Alameda, CA, USA) by crossover in an experimental hybrid room (Discovery^®, General Electric, Boston, MA, USA). The analysis of the results was based on the feedback of vascular interventionalists using a Likert Psychometric Scale.

A total of 6 vascular surgeons performed two training sessions in real-life conditions. Access to the target lesion was achieved by cross-over or antegrade approach with an 8 F - 45 cm introducer. An angiogram was used to localize the thrombus. Due to the flow, a part of the thrombus was migrating from femoropopliteal segment to below the knee level. Thromboaspiration was realized by Indigo (Penumbra Inc.) CAT-8 and -6 with separators. The average score out of 5 was 4.5 (±0.55) regarding anatomical reproducibility, 4.3 (±0.82) for navigation, and 4.5 (±0.84) for aspiration. The didactical evaluation showed a score of 4.3 (±0.52) for improving technical skills. The improvement of the confidence score in the simulator was +1.2 (±1.72).

The 3D-simulation model for peripheral endovascular procedures provides a realistic training for thromboaspiration. This model could mimic different types of peripheral arterial pathologies and participate to the vascular interventionalists training.