Presenter Dr. Eugene Moon will describe work to convert an abdominal CT angiogram (CTA) into a 3D-printed model for simulations such as splenic artery embolization. This approach tested the ability to accurately create both large and small vessels (i.e., aorta and splenic artery).
A free automated computer-aided design software was used to hollow out the arterial model and erase artifacts created during the conversion. The final digital version was printed on Formlabs Form3 3D printer (costing $3,499) at a resolution of 100 um layer thickness using 52 mL of resin, (the resin cost about $7.80 for a single print).
"We were able to 3D-print a high-fidelity model of descending aorta and its celiac vessels at significantly less cost than many models sold for simulation training," Moon wrote. "Our hollowed and transparent model provides both haptic and visual feedback for catheter and wire advancement simulation."
Moon says that despite the "overwhelming benefits" of simulation, training opportunities are limited by the cost and availability. However, 3D-printed models for simulation overcome those hurdles.
"Additionally, diverse models of patient-specific anatomy can be made using different CT images, and a finished 3D printable computer file can be reprinted or shared with different institutions," Moon wrote.
