A novel two-dimensional phantom for electrical impedance tomography using 3D printing

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) requires phantoms to simulate biological tissues for system development.
• Existing EIT phantoms lack optimal performance in resistivity resolution, spatial resolution, and stability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel 3D printed conductive material phantom for electrical impedance tomography (EIT).
• To demonstrate control over resistivity and manufacturing accuracy using 3D printing infill percentage.
• To develop a method for electrical connections to 3D printed materials.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D printing with conductive material, controlling resistivity via infill percentage.
• Validated the resistivity control concept and quantified manufacturing accuracy.
• Developed and tested a method for electrical connections to the 3D printed phantom.
• Printed a prototype phantom and performed EIT analysis.

Main Results:

• Achieved high spatial resolution: 6.9 µm (X/Y) and 2.5 µm (Z).
• Manufactured 15 distinct resistivity levels by varying infill percentage.
• Demonstrated the feasibility of the 3D printed phantom for EIT analysis.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D printed phantom concept offers superior performance characteristics for EIT development.
• This technique allows for automated manufacturing of phantoms with controlled resistivity contrasts.
• The developed phantom facilitates the assessment of EIT devices under realistic physiological scenarios.