AAA 8. Utility and Implications of Three-Dimensional Printed Aortic Models in Teaching, Simulation, and Preoperative Planning for Fenestrated and Branched Endografts

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become progressively more accessible to scientists, clinicians, and the general public. Nevertheless, clinical applications remain isolated and haphazard, with limited expertise and experience. We describe the development of a medical 3D printing program at a tertiary Australian hospital and our specific experience in the development of aortic models for surgical teaching, simulation, and preoperative planning. The Austin Health-University of Melbourne 3DMedLab was established in 2015 to support clinician-led education and research in medical 3D printing. Multidisciplinary teams and interinstitutional collaboration were used to develop expertise in anatomic modeling, 3D printer operation, validation, and qualitative analysis. A range of representative and anatomically accurate aortic models were designed and produced using industrial and consumer-grade 3D printers. Aortic models were developed for student and clinician education, preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and device development and modification for fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Qualitative analysis identified important positive elements for clinical utility, but quantitative demonstration of benefit remains elusive. Technical hurdles in anatomic modeling and 3D printing exist; however, with the advent of consumer-operated 3D printers and automated software packages, this technology is within the grasp of technically oriented clinicians. Their input remains essential to drive clinically relevant results, reimbursement, and regulatory development.