Three dimensional solid model reconstruction for neurosurgical approach

Two different types of solid models of neurosurgical pathologies by 3-D reconstruction were presented and examined, and their clinical usefulness was appraised by neurosurgical simulation. Cranial vessel models were proposed by solidifying liquid photopolymer based on 3-D MR angiography data. These models provided total visual and tactile perceptions of the anatomy. Aneurysm model well demonstrated the root of its origin and was useful in preoperative planning. Three dimensional demonstration of arterial angles gave more informations for performing transarterial embolization of aneurysm. This method had advantages in visualising more complicated or minute structures such as cerebral vessels. Intracranial pathologies and the skull base anatomy were demonstrated by milling urethane block based on CT data. These models were useful in deciding the appropriate direction of surgical approach for lesions located in the middle fossa. This method had another advantage to demonstrate the details of anatomical relationships between macroscopic pathologies and surrounding structures. Milled models were useful for the practice of preoperative simulation because urethane was easily processed in comparison with solidified polymer.