Noninvasive 3D-head-scan used for 3D-printed customized helm by patient undergoing decompressive hemicraniectomy

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Decompressive craniectomy (DC) treats intracranial pressure but leaves patients vulnerable to secondary injury from cranial defects.
• Custom 3D-printed helmets are crucial for protecting these patients.
• Current methods rely on postoperative CT scans for helmet design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a non-invasive 3D scanning method as an alternative to CT scans for 3D-printed helmet construction.
• To compare craniometrics data obtained from 3D scans versus CT scans.
• To assess the accuracy and reliability of 3D scanning for helmet design in mobile patients.

Main Methods:

• Six patients undergoing DC for various neurological conditions were included.
• Non-invasive 3D scans (ArtecLeo) were used to capture head surface data.
• 3D-printed helmets were constructed using the 3D scan data.
• Surface heat-map analysis compared 3D scan data (supine and sitting) with CT scans.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in defect displacement was observed between supine and standing/sitting positions.
• Heat-map analysis revealed tissue shift, particularly in cranial and frontal areas, when comparing supine 3D scans with CT scans.
• The 3D scan method demonstrated differences between supine and sitting positions, highlighting potential inaccuracies in supine CT scans.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive 3D scanning (Artec3D) is a feasible alternative for scanning patients post-DC for 3D-printed helmet fabrication.
• 3D scanning appears to be a more reliable data assessment method for independently mobile patients.
• This approach can improve the accuracy and safety of custom helmet creation.