Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2017 May 31;12(5):e0178540.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178540. eCollection 2017.

From medical imaging data to 3D printed anatomical models

Thore M Bücking  1 , Emma R Hill  1 , James L Robertson  1 , Efthymios Maneas  1 , Andrew A Plumb  2 , Daniil I Nikitichev  1
Affiliations

From medical imaging data to 3D printed anatomical models

Thore M Bücking et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Anatomical models are important training and teaching tools in the clinical environment and are routinely used in medical imaging research. Advances in segmentation algorithms and increased availability of three-dimensional (3D) printers have made it possible to create cost-efficient patient-specific models without expert knowledge. We introduce a general workflow that can be used to convert volumetric medical imaging data (as generated by Computer Tomography (CT)) to 3D printed physical models. This process is broken up into three steps: image segmentation, mesh refinement and 3D printing. To lower the barrier to entry and provide the best options when aiming to 3D print an anatomical model from medical images, we provide an overview of relevant free and open-source image segmentation tools as well as 3D printing technologies. We demonstrate the utility of this streamlined workflow by creating models of ribs, liver, and lung using a Fused Deposition Modelling 3D printer.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. From medical image to 3D print workflow.
After the anatomical structure has been segmented (a), the resulting surface needs to be refined (b) to remove image artefacts, after which it can be 3D printed (c).
Fig 2
Fig 2. 3D printed anatomical models generated from medical imaging data using 3D Slicer and Seg3D.
Part of the ribcage (a), the liver (b), and the right lung (c).
Fig 3
Fig 3. Ribs phantom as a clinical training tool for ultrasound guided kidney biopsy.
a) 3D print of the ribs model with a chicken breast and biopsy needle b) Ultrasound scan of the model immersed in water.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. McGaghie WC, Issenberg SB, Petrusa ER, Scalese RJ. A critical review of simulation-based medical education research: 2003–2009. Med Educ. Wiley Online Library; 2010;44: 50–63. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03547.x - DOI - PubMed
    1. Evans L V, Dodge KL, Shah TD, Kaplan LJ, Siegel MD, Moore CL, et al. Simulation training in central venous catheter insertion: Improved performance in clinical practice. Acad Med. 2010;85: 1462–1469. doi: 10.1097/ACM.0b013e3181eac9a3 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Müller A, Krishnan KG, Uhl E, Mast G. The application of rapid prototyping techniques in cranial reconstruction and preoperative planning in neurosurgery. J Craniofac Surg. 2003;14: 899–914. - PubMed
    1. Rengier F, Mehndiratta A, Von Tengg-Kobligk H, Zechmann CM, Unterhinninghofen R, Kauczor HU, et al. 3D printing based on imaging data: Review of medical applications. Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg. 2010;5: 335–341. doi: 10.1007/s11548-010-0476-x - DOI - PubMed
    1. Kusaka M, Sugimoto M, Fukami N, Sasaki H, Takenaka M, Anraku T, et al. Initial experience with a tailor-made simulation and navigation program using a 3-D printer model of kidney transplantation surgery. Transplant Proc. Elsevier Inc.; 2015;47: 596–599. - PubMed