Tool For Surgical Planning Research Articles

Preoperative CT angiography to facilitate pedicle selection for high-risk breast reduction patients

Introduction: Large volume breasts, and also breasts with a long distance between the sternal notch and the nipple, have a higher risk of postoperative nipple necrosis after breast reduction surgery. This is due to vascular insufficiency. For these high-risk cases, free nipple grafts are sometimes performed. Free nipple grafts are not an ideal technique due to reduced sensation, duct disruption, variable take and common result of an under-projecting nipple and poor aesthetic outcome. In order to avoid both necrosis of the nipples and the use of free nipple grafts, we have investigated the use of angiographic computerized tomography (CTA) in the selection of the dominant blood supply in breast reduction pedicle selection. The first aim of this study was to investigate the dominant vascular supply to the nipple areolar complex (NAC) using CTA. The second aim was to investigate whether the preoperative CTA could change surgical planning and also reduce the incidence of nipple necrosis after breast reductions for patients considered to be at a high risk of nipple loss. Methods: Phase 1: All female CT thoraces performed at a single centre between January and May 2013 were reviewed by a single cardiothoracic radiologist to find arterial sources, which intercostal space that was perforated, glandular/subcutaneous course and vessel entry point into the NAC of each breast. Phase 2: Preoperative planning CTA’s performed for the 28 cases of high-risk breast reductions of the 392 breast reductions between 2008 and 2014. Results: Phase 1: The analysis was performed on CTAs of 69 patient cases, involving 132 breasts. The dominant blood supply was the internal mammary artery (IMA) in 96 breasts, with long thoracic artery (LTA) in 21 breasts. Phase 2: A dominant vascular supply was identified in all cases. In 27 of the 28 cases, preoperative planning was undertaken as guided by the CTA. Of the 28 cases, there was one case of unilateral infection, one hematoma, and a single case of partial thickness areolar necrosis. No free nipple grafts were required. Conclusion: Preoperative CTA for large-volume breast reduction may be a useful surgical planning tool for high-risk patients. With the insight gleaned from a CTA, pedicle design can be tailored to the specific patient’s blood supply in order to reduce the incidence of necrosis to the nipple areolar complex and to avoid the need for free nipple grafts.

Preoperative CT angiography to facilitate pedicle selection for high-risk breast reduction patients

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the dominant vascular supply to the nipple areolar complex (NAC) using CTA and whether the preoperative CTA could change surgical planning and reduce the incidence of nipple necrosis after breast reductions for patients considered to be at a high risk of nipple loss.Methods: All female CT thoraces performed at a single centre between January and May 2013 were reviewed by a single cardiothoracic radiologist to find arterial sources, which intercostal space that was perforated, glandular/subcutaneous course and vessel entry point into the NAC of each breast. Preoperative planning CTA’s performed for the 28 cases of high-risk breast reductions of the 392 breast reductions between 2008 and 2014.Results: Analysis was performed on CTAs of 69 patient cases, involving 132 breasts. The dominant blood supply was the internal mammary artery (IMA) in 96 breasts, with long thoracic artery (LTA) in 21 breasts. A dominant vascular supply was identified in all cases. In 27 of the 28 cases, preoperative planning was undertaken as guided by the CTA. Of the 28 cases, there was one case of unilateral infection, one hematoma, and a single case of partial thickness areolar necrosis. No free nipple grafts were required.Conclusion: Preoperative CTA for large-volume breast reduction may be a useful surgical planning tool for high-risk patients. With CTA, pedicle design can be tailored to the specific patient’s blood supply in order to reduce the incidence of necrosis and avoid the need for free nipple grafts.

Photogrammetric Construction of 3D Models of Skull Base Cadaveric Dissections: A Novel Tool for Anatomical Education and Surgical Planning

Photogrammetric Construction of 3D Models of Skull Base Cadaveric Dissections: A Novel Tool for Anatomical Education and Surgical Planning

Endomyocardial biopsy guided by intracardiac echocardiography as a key step in intracardiac mass diagnosis

BackgroundBased on a plenty of different applications, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is now a well-established technology in complex electrophysiological procedures. Recently, ICE has become the most widely used ultrasound-based imaging tool to guide diagnostic endomyocardial biopsy (EMB). EMB of cardiac mass guided by ICE is an interesting application of ICE. Allowing a correct positioning of the bioptome, ICE reduce the procedure-related risks and the need of a diagnostic open-chest procedure reserving the more invasive approach to selected cases.Case presentationHereby we report a case series of right ventricular masses in which the EMB was safely and effectively performed under ICE guidance giving essential information for planning the therapeutic strategy.ConclusionsThe diagnosis of both metastatic and primary cardiac tumors relies on the histopathological analyses. The endomyocardial biopsy is a valuable tool for preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning of intracardiac masses suspected for tumors. In our experience, the use of ICE for right ventricle EMB of an intracardiac mass is an attractive modality thanks to the precise localization of the cardiac structures and the ability to guide bioptic withdrawal in the target area.

3D vascular anatomy of the presacral space: impact of age and adiposity

Defining patient characteristics that alter vascular anatomy at the sacrum is critical for avoiding life-threatening bleeding at the time of sacrocolpopexy. We tested the hypothesis that in thinner/older women, the bifurcations of the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) are lower relative to S1 resulting in less space accessible for suture/mesh placement, placing this group at increased risk of major vascular injury. In a retrospective cross-sectional study, CT scans were used to make 2D measurements and a 3D model of the aorta/IVC, intervertebral disc space, and bony anatomy using segmentation and modeling software. For analysis, Spearman's and Pearson's correlation, Student's t test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used along with multivariate analysis of variance. Of eligible women who had undergone abdominal/pelvic CT, 107 were included. The median locations of the aortic and IVC bifurcations utilizing 2D analysis were at the inferior L4 and middle L5 vertebral body, respectively. In 10.2% of patients, the IVC was located at the L5-S1 disc space or lower; however, 3D modeling of this space which allowed assessment of the area below the S1 "drop off" showed that the amount of accessible space for suture/mesh placement was not decreased. Utilizing 2D analysis there was no statistically significant independent correlation between age or adiposity and the aortic or IVC bifurcation. Patients who were both elderly and thinner had a lower aortic bifurcation (p = 0.005) and a trend towards a lower IVC bifurcation (p = 0.082). In 10.2% of women, the IVC bifurcation descended at or below the L5-S1 disc space, suggesting that this group of women is at increased risk of major vascular injury. Patients who were both thin and elderly had lower bifurcations, but there was no difference in accessible surface area for suture placement on 3D analysis. 3D modeling improved visualization of the anatomy beyond the S1 "drop off" and may provide a future tool for surgical planning once predictors of high-risk anatomy are defined.

The utility of confocal microscopy in lentigo maligna lesions

The diagnosis of pigmented facial lesions is considered challenging since benign and malignant lesions might have similar clinical and dermoscopic features – especially in the early stages of the lesion – entailing that it is often difficult to identify lentigo maligna lesions in the face. In this way, confocal reflectance microscopy has the potential to become a useful tool both in the diagnosis and surgical planning of lentigo maligna

Three-Dimensional Planning Tool for Breast Conserving Surgery: A Technological Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies affecting women worldwide. However, despite its incidence trends have increased, the mortality rate has significantly decreased. The primary concern in any cancer treatment is the oncological outcome but, in the case of breast cancer, the surgery aesthetic result has become an important quality indicator for breast cancer patients. In this sense, an adequate surgical planning and prediction tool would empower the patient regarding the treatment decision process, enabling a better communication between the surgeon and the patient and a better understanding of the impact of each surgical option. To develop such tool, it is necessary to create complete 3D model of the breast, integrating both inner and outer breast data. In this review, we thoroughly explore and review the major existing works that address, directly or not, the technical challenges involved in the development of a 3D software planning tool in the field of breast conserving surgery.

Enhanced resolution and speckle-free three-dimensional printing of macular optical coherence tomography angiography.

Enhanced resolution and speckle-free three-dimensional printing of macular optical coherence tomography angiography.

Analogous Three-Dimensional Constructive Interference in Steady State Sequences Enhance the Utility of Three-Dimensional Time of Flight Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Delineating Lenticulostriate Arteries in Insular Gliomas: Evidence from a Prospective Clinicoradiologic Analysis of 48 Patients

Three-dimensional (3D) time of flight (TOF) imaging is the current gold standard for noninvasive, preoperative localization of lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) in insular gliomas; however, the utility of this modality depends on tumor intensity. Over a 3-year period, 48 consecutive patients with insular gliomas were prospectively evaluated. Location of LSAs and their relationship with the tumor were determined using a combination of contrast-enhanced coronal 3D TOF magnetic resonance angiography and coronal 3D constructive interference in steady state (CISS) sequences. These findings were analyzed with respect to extent of tumor resection and early postoperative motor outcome. Tumor was clearly visualized in 29 (60.4%) patients with T1-hypointense tumors using 3D TOF and in all patients using CISS sequences. Using combined 3D TOF and CISS, LSA-tumor interface was well seen in 47 patients, including all patients with T1-heterointense or T1-isointense tumors. Extent of resection was higher in the LSA-pushed group compared with the LSA-encased group. In the LSA-encased group, 6 (12.5%) patients developed postoperative hemiparesis; 2 (4.2%) cases were attributed to LSA injury. Contrast-enhanced 3D TOF can delineate LSAs in almost all insular gliomas but is limited in identifying the LSA-tumor interface. This limitation can be overcome by addition of analogous CISS sequences that delineate the LSA-tumor interface regardless of tumor intensity. Combined 3D TOF and 3D CISS is a useful tool for surgical planning and safer resections of insular tumors and may have added surgical relevance when included as an intraoperative adjunct.

Utility of 360° Real-time Endoanal Sonography for Evaluation of Perianal Fistulas.

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and performance of 360° endoanal sonography for preoperative evaluation of perianal fistulas using surgical results as a reference standard. Between January 2012 and May 2016, 122 patients with suspicious anal fistulas and perianal abnormalities had real-time endoanal sonographic examinations using a 360° cross-sectional endoanal transducer (5-13 MHz) for preoperative evaluation of the disease. All patients underwent surgical interventions. The sonographic findings, including the fistulas and other inflammatory lesions, were correlated with surgical results. The types of fistulas on endoanal sonography were compared with the surgical classification of Parks et al (Br J Surg 1976; 63:1-2), and the internal opening of the fistula on endoanal sonography was confirmed by surgical results as a reference standard. The 122 patients studied included 111 male and 11 female patients. Endoanal sonography was able to show and track hypoechoic lesions, their locations, and internal openings of the fistulas. Compared with surgical results, endoanal sonography had sensitivity of 92.2%, specificity of 100%, and accuracy of 93.4% for the diagnosis of perianal fistulas. Also, endoanal sonography had accuracy of 87.4% for determining fistula types based on the Parks classification and 94.6% for identifying internal openings of the fistulas. Endoanal sonography is an accurate and noninvasive imaging modality for evaluation of fistulas. It is a very useful tool for preoperative management and surgical planning by providing precise and detailed information on fistulas.

The application of 3-dimensional printing for preoperative planning in oral and maxillofacial surgery in dogs and cats.

To describe the application of 3-dimensional (3D) printing in advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and to discuss the benefits of this modality in surgical planning, student and resident training, and client education. Retrospective case series. Client-owned dogs (n = 28) and cats (n = 4) with 3D printing models of the skulls. The medical records of 32 cases with 3D printing prior to major OMFS were reviewed. Indications for 3D printing included preoperative planning for mandibular reconstruction after mandibulectomy (n = 12 dogs) or defect nonunion fracture (n = 6 dogs, 2 cats), mapping of ostectomy location for temporomandibular joint ankylosis or pseudoankylosis (n = 4 dogs), assessment of palatal defects (n = 2 dogs, 1 cat), improved understanding of complex anatomy in cases of neoplasia located in challenging locations (n = 2 dogs, 1 cat), and in cases of altered anatomy secondary to trauma (n = 2 dogs). In the authors' experience, 3D printed models serve as excellent tools for OMFS planning and resident training. Furthermore, 3D printed models are a valuable resource to improve clients' understanding of the pet's disorder and the recommended treatment. Three-dimensional printed models should be considered viable tools for surgical planning, resident training, and client education in candidates for complex OMFS.

Novel development of 3D printable UV-curable silicone for multimodal imaging phantom

Medical imaging is an effective medical technique used to diagnose the cancer and other diseases. To optimize medical imaging, a calibration medium or phantom with tissue-mimicking properties is required. A phantom is a specially engineered object that is used in calibration or tuning of the medical imaging modalities, specifically Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT). Most of the phantoms investigated were fabricated with water-based polymer gels such as carrageenan, agar, and poly(vinyl alcohol). However, due to water content fluctuation, the stability of the relaxation times, T1 and T2, are problematic. Therefore, there is a demand for the development of phantoms fabricated from solid material without stability issues. Furthermore, there are potential applications of phantoms as surgical planning tools for health practitioner training. In this study, we fabricated Ultraviolet (UV)-curable silicone with various concentrations of water and hydrophilic silicone content to investigate its mechanical and imaging properties. The results demonstrate that the silicone cures faster with addition of water within 30s to be applicable for 3D printing. Imaging properties for ultrasound, MRI and CT also demonstrated improvement with addition of water content. With optimal properties, silicone can be used to fabricate the phantom using 3D printing technique.

Establishment and Evaluation of Patient-Specific Virtual Ureteroscopy in Assisting Flexible Ureteroscopy for Urolithiasis.

To establish virtual ureteroscopy (VU) through computed tomography urography (CTU) data from patients with upper urinary tract (UUT) stones indicated for flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and to validate its effectiveness. Patient-specific VU generation was accomplished through incorporating CTU data into specialized software (Crusher) developed on the open access Visualization Tools Kit (VTK). These were then presented to fURS experts and novice urologists for evaluation and comparison using modified Likert-type questionnaire of 10-point rating scales (1 = not at all useful/not at all realistic/poor, 10 = very useful/very realistic/ excellent). Face and content validation of VU from 5 fURS experts in 3 different centers: overall usefulness 7.4 ± 0.5, graphics 7.4 ± 0.5, intrarenal anatomy 8.4 ± 0.5, stone details 7.8 ± 0.4, usefulness in surgical planning and training 7.6 ± 0.9. Significant increase of detection in the number of calyces and stones was found from using CTU only to CTU-VU combined in the novice group ( P = .000). Before VU observation, novices found much fewer calyces and stones than experts ( P = .004 and .000, respectively). However, this gap disappeared after VU observation ( P = .327 and .292, respectively). VU feedback from the novices was superb. Establishing patient-specific VU through CTU data from renal stone patients is feasible. The present VU can significantly improve novice urologists' comprehension of intrarenal anatomy and stone information before fURS procedures. Face and content validity is also proved. This novel modality may serve as an important tool for fURS surgical planning, navigation, and training.

Patient-specific pediatric silicone heart valve models based on 3D ultrasound.

Patient-specific heart and valve models have shown promise as training and planning tools for heart surgery, but physically realistic valve models remain elusive. Available proprietary, simulation-focused heart valve models are generic adult mitral valves and do not allow for patient-specific modeling as may be needed for rare diseases such as congenitally abnormal valves. We propose creating silicone valve models from a 3D-printed plastic mold as a solution that can be adapted to any individual patient and heart valve at a fraction of the cost of direct 3D-printing using soft materials. Leaflets of a pediatric mitral valve, a tricuspid valve in a patient with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, and a complete atrioventricular canal valve were segmented from ultrasound images. A custom software was developed to automatically generate molds for each valve based on the segmentation. These molds were 3D-printed and used to make silicone valve models. The models were designed with cylindrical rims of different sizes surrounding the leaflets, to show the outline of the valve and add rigidity. Pediatric cardiac surgeons practiced suturing on the models and evaluated them for use as surgical planning and training tools. Five out of six surgeons reported that the valve models would be very useful as training tools for cardiac surgery. In this first iteration of valve models, leaflets were felt to be unrealistically thick or stiff compared to real pediatric leaflets. A thin tube rim was preferred for valve flexibility. The valve models were well received and considered to be valuable and accessible tools for heart valve surgery training. Further improvements will be made based on surgeons' feedback.

Sinus presurgical evaluation: a literature review and a new classification proposal.

Presurgical evaluation with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) or computed tomography (CT) has become an essential tool for diagnosis and surgical planning, including maxillary sinus floor elevation. Before performing a sinus lift, the clinician's attention should not be only directed to the patency of the ostium through CBCT or CT, because many anatomical features could influence the surgical approach of sinus floor elevation. The goal of this article was to facilitate the communication between clinicians regarding the type of maxillary sinus, encourage in-depth analysis prior to surgery and reduce the risk of complications due to possible underestimation of important parameters. An electronic search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase, Medline and Scopus, matching the following keywords: "sinus lift", "CBCT", "CT", "presurgical" and "evaluation". Clinical Oral Implant Research, Implant Dentistry, International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry and Journal of Oral Implantology were hand-searched. The bibliographies of review articles were checked and personal references were also searched. Eleven parameters, that clinicians must check every time through CBCT or CT, were evaluated from different studies. At the end of the literature review for every single feature, the Authors established a favorable, a normal and an unfavorable situation, in order to provide a new classification. The grade of the described classification may be useful for clinicians to understand what probably the risk level of the sinus lift surgery could be and it may encourage the surgeon to have a careful pre-operative evaluation through CBCT or CT.

Computational Modeling of Fluid-Structure-Acoustics Interaction during Voice Production.

The paper presented a three-dimensional, first-principle based fluid–structure–acoustics interaction computer model of voice production, which employed a more realistic human laryngeal and vocal tract geometries. Self-sustained vibrations, important convergent–divergent vibration pattern of the vocal folds, and entrainment of the two dominant vibratory modes were captured. Voice quality-associated parameters including the frequency, open quotient, skewness quotient, and flow rate of the glottal flow waveform were found to be well within the normal physiological ranges. The analogy between the vocal tract and a quarter-wave resonator was demonstrated. The acoustic perturbed flux and pressure inside the glottis were found to be at the same order with their incompressible counterparts, suggesting strong source–filter interactions during voice production. Such high fidelity computational model will be useful for investigating a variety of pathological conditions that involve complex vibrations, such as vocal fold paralysis, vocal nodules, and vocal polyps. The model is also an important step toward a patient-specific surgical planning tool that can serve as a no-risk trial and error platform for different procedures, such as injection of biomaterials and thyroplastic medialization.

Validation of a method for retroperitoneal tumor segmentation.

In 2005, an application for surgical planning called AYRA[Formula: see text] was designed and validated by different surgeons and engineers at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville (Spain). However, the segmentation methods included in AYRA and in other surgical planning applications are not able to segment accurately tumors that appear in soft tissue. The aims of this paper are to offer an exhaustive validation of an accurate semiautomatic segmentation tool to delimitate retroperitoneal tumors from CT images and to aid physicians in planning both radiotherapy doses and surgery. A panel of 6 experts manually segmented 11 cases of tumors, and the segmentation results were compared exhaustively with: the results provided by a surgical planning tool (AYRA), the segmentations obtained using a radiotherapy treatment planning system (Pinnacle[Formula: see text]), the segmentation results obtained by a group of experts in the delimitation of retroperitoneal tumors and the segmentation results using the algorithm under validation. 11 cases of retroperitoneal tumors were tested. The proposed algorithm provided accurate results regarding the segmentation of the tumor. Moreover, the algorithm requires minimal computational time-an average of 90.5% less than that required when manually contouring the same tumor. A method developed for the semiautomatic selection of retroperitoneal tumor has been validated in depth. AYRA, as well as other surgical and radiotherapy planning tools, could be greatly improved by including this algorithm.

Benefits and Limitations of Entry-Level 3-Dimensional Printing of Maxillofacial Skeletal Models

A protocol for creating exceptionally low-cost 3-dimensional (3-D) maxillofacial skeletal models does not require proficiency with computer software or intensive labor. Small and less affluent centers can produce models with little loss in accuracy and clinical utility. To highlight the feasibility and methods of introducing in-house, entry-level additive manufacturing (3-D printing) technology to otolaryngologic craniofacial reconstruction and to describe its clinical applications and limitations, including a comparison with available vendor models. This case series of 6 models (3 pairs) compared cost, side-by-side anatomical model fidelity, and clinical versatility using entry-level, in-house 3-D pediatric mandible model production vs high-end, third-party vendor modeling, including a review of the literature. Comparisons were made at an urban pediatric otolaryngology practice among patients who had previously undergone pediatric craniofacial reconstruction with use of a commercially produced medical model for surgical planning. Each vendor model had been produced using computed tomographic imaging data. With the use of this same data source, in-house models were printed in polylactic acid using a commercially available printer. Data were collected from November 1 to December 30, 2015. Models created from these 2 methods of production were assessed for fidelity of surface anatomy, resilience to manipulation and plate bending, cost of production, speed of production, sterilizability, virtual surgical planning options, and alveolar nerve canal and tooth root visibility in mandibles. For the quantitative comparisons between in-house models (1 neonatal, 1 pediatric, and 1 adult model) and their commercial counterparts, the mean value of 7 independent measurements was analyzed from each of 3 model pairs. Caliper measurements from models produced through entry-level, in-house manufacturing were comparable to those taken from commercially produced counterparts, suggesting an acceptable degree of accuracy (0.54 mm; 95% CI, 0.36-0.72 mm). Fixed costs for in-house production included acquiring an entry-level printer (retail $2899) and an annual software subscription ($699 per year). After purchase of these initial assets, the printing cost for an in-house mandible was approximately $90, with 98% of that cost related to labor. Physical qualities of entry-level, in-house models such as nerve canal visibility, tooth root visibility, and sterilizability were inferior compared with commercially-produced stereolithic renderings. This low-cost method of in-house, entry-level 3-D printing of straightforward, skeletal models may suit a general otolaryngology practice that performs maxillofacial reconstruction. Although commercial modeling offers several unique features, such as sterilizable materials and advanced virtual planning, in-house modeling also produces renderings with high fidelity, which may be used as tools for education and surgical planning, including preoperative plate bending. 4.

Advent of Surgical Navigation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Application of Different Navigational Systems in Various Surgical Procedures: A Review

Advances in imaging techniques can greatly improve the treatment outcome and enhance the success rate of surgical procedures. This review article updates the information on surgical navigation system and its application in maxillofacial surgery. The indications, treatments and outcome of surgical navigation in surgery are also discussed. Electronic searches of the MEDLINE/PubMed database were performed to identify relevant human studies published in the English-language literature from 1980 to the present. The key words derived were traumatology, orthognathic surgery, cancer, reconstruction surgery, skull base surgery and foreign body removal. These were used in combinations for the final search strategy. The search generated 53 articles and surgical navigation is considered to be a useful tool for surgical planning, execution, evaluation and research. The largest number of studies and patients are identified in the field of traumatology, oncology and management of developmental deformities and pathologies. Based on the existing literature, we propose that the surgical navigation appears to be a very promising in addition to the surgical armamentarium. Planning details of the surgery in a 3D virtual environment and execution with real-time guidance can significantly improve precision and result in better prognosis for the patient. Among factors to be considered are the financial investments and the learning curve.

A systematic review of 3-D printing in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Objective:The application of 3-D printing has been increasingly used in medicine, with research showing many applications in cardiovascular disease. This systematic review analyzes those studies published about the applications of 3-D printed, patient-specific models in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.Methods:A search of PubMed/Medline and Scopus databases was performed to identify studies investigating the 3-D printing in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Only studies based on patient’s medical images were eligible for review, while reports on in vitro phantom or review articles were excluded.Results:A total of 48 studies met selection criteria for inclusion in the review. A range of patient-specific 3-D printed models of different cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases were generated in these studies with most of them being developed using cardiac CT and MRI data, less commonly with 3-D invasive angiographic or echocardiographic images. The review of these studies showed high accuracy of 3-D printed, patient-specific models to represent complex anatomy of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system and depict various abnormalities, especially congenital heart diseases and valvular pathologies. Further, 3-D printing can serve as a useful education tool for both parents and clinicians, and a valuable tool for pre-surgical planning and simulation.Conclusion:This systematic review shows that 3-D printed models based on medical imaging modalities can accurately replicate complex anatomical structures and pathologies of the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system. 3-D printing is a useful tool for both education and surgical planning in these diseases.