Simple and Rapid Creation of Customized 3D Printed Bolus Utilizing iPhone X True Depth Camera

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has effectively produced patient-specific bolus materials during radiation treatment for superficial tumors along irregular skin surfaces. Traditional bolus materials in comparison, are often difficult to manipulate for proper fit, and can be difficult to reproduce. Current 3D printed boluses are made from either pre-existing computed tomography (CT) scans or complex surface scanning methods. Here, we introduce an inexpensive, convenient approach to generating 3D printed bolus from surface scanning technology available in common smartphones. 3D printed bolus was designed using surface scans from iphone X true depth cameras and a low cost 3D printer. The percentage density infill was adjusted to achieve tissue equivalence. To evaluate the clinical feasibility, fit against skin surface and radiation dose distribution was compared to traditional bolus. We fabricated customized 3D printed bolus for different areas of the face utilizing an iphone X camera and an inexpensive commercially available 3D printer. When printed at 100% density this bolus material approximated soft tissue/water and provided an equivalent dose distribution to that found with standard bolus materials on direct comparison. The bolus material was inexpensive and produces an ideal fit with the scanned anatomy. We present a simplified method of highly customized bolus production that requires minimal experience with computer modeling programs and can be accomplished with an iphone true depth camera.