Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 18, 2025
Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
3D-Printed Patient-Specific Models of the Aortic Arch for Advanced Visualization of Complex Neurointerventional Cases
Smruti Mahapatra1, Vishal N Bhimarasetty2, Abdul Rahim3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Insights
3D-printed patient-specific models of aortic anatomy improve visualization for neurointerventional procedures. These realistic models aid in managing complex cerebrovascular cases and may enhance stroke treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Cerebrovascular disease is a major global health concern, with endovascular therapies crucial for ischemic stroke treatment.
- Complex aortic arch anatomy poses significant challenges for accessing intracranial circulation during neurointerventional procedures.
- These anatomical complexities can negatively impact treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of patient-specific 3D-printed models for understanding and navigating tortuous cerebrovascular anatomy.
- To assess the accuracy and feasibility of creating 3D models from patient imaging data.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of 3D-printed models of the aortic arch and major branch vessels using imaging data from four patients.
- Validation of model accuracy by comparing measured diameters to established literature values.
- Quantification of the time and material costs associated with model creation.
Main Results:
- Patient-specific 3D models accurately represented intricate vascular pathways, offering enhanced visualization of complex structures.
- The physical dimensions of the 3D-printed models closely matched reported anatomical values.
- Average model creation involved 4 hours of digital processing and 13.71 hours of 3D printing, with a material cost of ~$17.31.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed patient-specific models serve as valuable tools for neurointerventional training and preprocedural planning in cases of complex cerebrovascular anatomy.
- Enhanced visualization through these models can improve clinician preparedness.
- Utilizing these advanced visualization tools holds the potential to improve outcomes for ischemic stroke treatment.
Background:
Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and endovascular therapies have become a mainstay of treatment for ischemic stroke. However, tortuous anatomy, particularly of the aortic arch, presents formidable treatment challenges by impeding access to intracranial circulation and thus affecting clinical outcomes.
Methods:
To better understand the challenges of tortuous anatomy, we fabricated 3D-printed models of the aortic arch and major branch vessels based on the imaging of 4 patients.
Results:
These patient-specific models were realistic representations of the intricate vascular pathways and provided enhanced visualization of the complex vascular structures. The measured diameters of the 3D-fabricated models closely matched the values reported in the literature, confirming the physical accuracy of the models. Creating an individual anatomic model required an average of 4 hours of digital processing and 13.71 hours of 3D printing, with a materials cost of approximately $17.31.
Conclusion:
3D-printed patient-specific models used for neurointerventional training and preprocedural planning are a valuable tool for managing complex cerebrovascular anatomy. The advanced visualization provided by these models may enhance preparedness and potentially improve ischemic stroke treatment outcomes.
