Title: 3D printing for aneurysms clipping elective surgery

Authors: S. Guarino; E. Marchese; G.S. Ponticelli; A. Scerrati; V. Tagliaferri; F. Trovalusci

Addresses: Department of Engineering, University of Rome 'Niccolò Cusano', Via Don Carlo Gnocchi 3, 00166, Rome, Italy ' Department of Neurosurgery, Catholic University of Rome, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00198, Rome, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy ' Department of Neurosurgery, University of Ferrara, Via Ludovico Ariosto 35, 44121, Ferrara, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy ' Department of Enterprise Engineering, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via del Politecnico 1, 00133, Rome, Italy

Abstract: This paper deals with the realisation of 3D printed cerebral aneurysms by using the direct light processing (DLP) technique. The aim was to improve the anatomy knowledge, training and surgical planning on individualised patient-specific basis. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography of three patients were used to create 3D virtual models by using a commercial image-processing software. The DLP technique was aimed at realising the corresponding 3D physical models. These were firstly evaluated by the surgeons and then, if acceptable, used for the patient-specific treatment planning. All three models provided a comprehensive 3D representation of the related anatomical structure of the aneurysms improving the understanding of the surrounding vessels and their relationships. Moreover, the use of the DLP technology allowed fabricating the 3D models of the cerebral aneurysms in a low-time and low-cost consuming way.

Keywords: 3D printing; aneurysms; direct light processing; DLP; neurosurgery; rapid prototyping; solid modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBET.2022.124666

International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, 2022 Vol.39 No.4, pp.412 - 425

Received: 18 Apr 2019
Accepted: 26 Aug 2019
Published online: 05 Aug 2022 *

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