Production and clinical application of 3D printing models of intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

Objective As the intracranial aneurysm diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination, the patient's cerebral vessels models of intracranial aneurysms were built by 3D Printer. According to the models, the size, shape, orientation of the aneurysms, as well as the relationship between the parent artery and the branch vessels were analyzed to provide reference for craniotomy. Methods The 11 patients with intracranial aneurysms diagnosed by DSA were prospectively selected in this study from May 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016. The DSA data of the patients were output in DICOM format, after format conversion and three-dimensional reconstruction by MIMICS software, the selected target regions were modeled by 3D printers in different proportions (1:1 and 1:3). Results The cerebral vascular 3D printing models could reflect the shape, size and distribution of the cerebral vascular and orientation of the intracranial aneurysms. It could also show the relationship between the aneurysm and parent arteries along with vascular branches. It was showed that the original size and different amplified model could provide reference for the aneurysm clipping surgery. Conclusion The 3D printing technology can be used into the production of human cerebral vascular models, which can provide a physical model for diagnosis and treatment of intracranial aneurysms, and it can also provide useful reference for preoperative and intraoperative aneurysm clip selection and clamping method decision during the aneurysm clip surgery. Key words: Three D printing; Intracranial aneurysm; Endovascular coiling clipping; Coiling