3D Brain Imaging in Vascular Segmentation of Cerebral Venous Sinuses

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) visualization of dural venous sinuses (DVS) networks is desired by surgical trainers to create a clear mental picture of the neuroanatomical orientation of the complex cerebral anatomy. Our purpose is to document those identified during routine 3D venography created through 3D models using two-dimensional axial images for teaching and learning neuroanatomy. Anatomical data were segmented and extracted from imaging of the DVS of healthy people. The digital data of the extracted anatomical surfaces was then edited and smoothed, resulting in a set of digital 3D models of the superior sagittal, inferior sagittal, transverse, and sigmoid, rectus sinuses, and internal jugular veins. A combination of 3D printing technology and casting processes led to the creation of realistic neuroanatomical models that include high-fidelity reproductions of the neuroanatomical features of DVS. The life-size DVS training models were provided good detail and representation of the spatial distances. Geometrical details between the neighboring of DVS could be easily manipulated and explored from different angles. A graspable, patient-specific, 3D-printed model of DVS geometry could provide an improved understanding of the complex brain anatomy. These models have various benefits such as the ability to adjust properties, to convert two-dimension images of the patient into three-dimension images, to have different color options, and to be economical. Neuroanatomy experts can model such as the reliability and validity of the designed models, enhance patient satisfaction with improved clinical examination, and demonstrate clinical interventions by simulation; thus, they teach neuroanatomy training with effective teaching styles.

Keywords: 3D neuroanatomical models; Brain imaging; Clinical skills; Dural venous sinuses; Minimally invasive neurosurgery; Neurosurgical education; Surgical trainers.

Fig. 1

3D magnetic resonance venography frontal plan image obtained in a 25-year-old woman with normal appearance of dural venous network

Fig. 2

Computerized tomography venogram of the dural venous network showing normal appearance on sagittal plane

Fig. 3

Visualization of the imaging segmentation of the dural venous network, applied on stereolithographic file to remove superimposition of the scalp and skull allowing inspection from a back, b left side, c front side, d superior angles. superior sagittal sinus, superior anastomotic vein, inferior anastomotic vein, transverse sinus, straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, inferior sagittal sinus, occipital sinus, internal jugular vein

Fig. 4

Views of digital model .STL format opened by Autodesk Meshmixer 2017® (version 3.2.37, Autodesk Inc., USA) software before smooth processing (b–d) and after smooth processing (a–c). Smooth processing reduced the number of polygonal triangles and corrected the surface mesh, and the topology of the mesh did not change

Fig. 5

Made of polylactic acid 3D building dural venous network fabricated using MassPortal Pharaox XD printer

Fig. 6

Printed three-dimensional model of dural venous network can be allowed of inspection from all angles. a back, b left side, c front-left side, d superior angles. superior sagittal sinus, superior anastomotic vein, inferior anastomotic vein, transverse sinus, straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, inferior sagittal sinus, occipital sinus, internal jugular vein

Fig. 7

Comparison of proximal, distal diameters, and length of the transverse sinus measured by MeshLab software (a, b, c) and General Electric AW Server software (d) for 3D CT reconstruction of the printed dural venous network model and digital dural venous network in STL format