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International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery

Published in:

01-01-2017 | Original Article

The production of digital and printed resources from multiple modalities using visualization and three-dimensional printing techniques

Authors: Wuyang Shui, Mingquan Zhou, Shi Chen, Zhouxian Pan, Qingqiong Deng, Yong Yao, Hui Pan, Taiping He, Xingce Wang

Published in: International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Purpose

Virtual digital resources and printed models have become indispensable tools for medical training and surgical planning. Nevertheless, printed models of soft tissue organs are still challenging to reproduce. This study adopts open source packages and a low-cost desktop 3D printer to convert multiple modalities of medical images to digital resources (volume rendering images and digital models) and lifelike printed models, which are useful to enhance our understanding of the geometric structure and complex spatial nature of anatomical organs.

Materials and methods

Neuroimaging technologies such as CT, CTA, MRI, and TOF-MRA collect serial medical images. The procedures for producing digital resources can be divided into volume rendering and medical image reconstruction. To verify the accuracy of reconstruction, this study presents qualitative and quantitative assessments. Subsequently, digital models are archived as stereolithography format files and imported to the bundled software of the 3D printer. The printed models are produced using polylactide filament materials.

Results

We have successfully converted multiple modalities of medical images to digital resources and printed models for both hard organs (cranial base and tooth) and soft tissue organs (brain, blood vessels of the brain, the heart chambers and vessel lumen, and pituitary tumor). Multiple digital resources and printed models were provided to illustrate the anatomical relationship between organs and complicated surrounding structures. Three-dimensional printing (3DP) is a powerful tool to produce lifelike and tangible models.

Conclusions

We present an available and cost-effective method for producing both digital resources and printed models. The choice of modality in medical images and the processing approach is important when reproducing soft tissue organs models. The accuracy of the printed model is determined by the quality of organ models and 3DP. With the ongoing improvement of printing techniques and the variety of materials available, 3DP will become an indispensable tool in medical training and surgical planning.

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Title: The production of digital and printed resources from multiple modalities using visualization and three-dimensional printing techniques
Authors: Wuyang Shui
Mingquan Zhou
Shi Chen
Zhouxian Pan
Qingqiong Deng
Yong Yao
Hui Pan
Taiping He
Xingce Wang
Publication date: 01-01-2017
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1861-6410
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6429
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-016-1461-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The production of digital and printed resources from multiple modalities using visualization and three-dimensional printing techniques

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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