Additive Manufacturing for Neurosurgery: Digital Light Processing of Individualized Patient-Specific Cerebral Aneurysms.

Stefano Guarino,Vincenzo Tagliaferri,Federica Trovalusci,Enrico Marchese,Alba Scerrati,Gennaro Salvatore Ponticelli

doi:10.3390/ma14206057

Stefano Guarino, Vincenzo Tagliaferri + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14206057

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Abstract

This study aims at demonstrating the feasibility of reproducing individualized patient-specific three-dimensional models of cerebral aneurysms by using the direct light processing (DLP) 3D printing technique in a low-time and inexpensive way. Such models were used to help neurosurgeons understand the anatomy of the aneurysms together with the surrounding vessels and their relationships, providing, therefore, a tangible supporting tool with which to train and plan surgical operations. The starting 3D models were obtained by processing the computed tomography angiographies and the digital subtraction angiographies of three patients. Then, a 3D DLP printer was used to print the models, and, if acceptable, on the basis of the neurosurgeon’s opinion, they were used for the planning of the neurosurgery operation and patient information. All the models were printed within three hours, providing a comprehensive representation of the cerebral aneurysms and the surrounding structures and improving the understanding of their anatomy and simplifying the planning of the surgical operation.

Highlights

This study aims at demonstrating the feasibility of reproducing individualized patientspecific three-dimensional models of cerebral aneurysms by using the direct light processing (DLP) 3D printing technique in a low-time and inexpensive way
In 2004, Wurm et al [41] used a stereolithography apparatus to reproduce the structures of cerebral aneurysms with the parent and surrounding vessels of 13 patients based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA)
The 3D printing technology can be considered a valid support for the improvement of the anatomy knowledge, as well as for the training and the surgical planning thanks to the ability to very accurately reproduce even the complex structure that typically characterizes a cerebral aneurysm and its surroundings

Summary

Introduction

During the last few years, 3D printing technology has experienced a significant breakthrough, allowing the fabrication of very complex structures with different materials, from polymers [1] to metals [2,3] to ceramics [4,5] and composites [6,7], and for a wide range of applications, from personalized consumer products [8,9,10,11] to the manufacturing industry [12,13,14,15] and, more recently, for science [16,17,18,19], education [20,21], and clinical practice [22,23,24]. In 2004, Wurm et al [41] used a stereolithography apparatus to reproduce the structures of cerebral aneurysms with the parent and surrounding vessels of 13 patients based on CTAs and DSAs. The surgeons involved reported that the 3D printed models accurately replicated the intraoperative findings. The neurosurgeons who planned and performed the surgery were involved in a survey to evaluate the utility of the 3D printed models

Patients Selection

Neurosurgery Application

Results and Discussion