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. 2020 Sep 15;87(4):E445-E453.
doi: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa134.

Design and Physical Properties of 3-Dimensional Printed Models Used for Neurointervention: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Muhammad Waqas  1   2 , Maxim Mokin  3 , Jaims Lim  1   2 , Kunal Vakharia  1   2 , Michael E Springer  4 , Karen M Meess  4 , Richard W Ducharme  4 , Ciprian N Ionita  5 , Swetadri Vasan Setlur Nagesh  1   5 , Liza C Gutierrez  5 , Kenneth V Snyder  1   2 , Jason M Davies  1   2   4   6 , Elad I Levy  1   2   4   5 , Adnan H Siddiqui  1   2   4   5   7
Affiliations

Design and Physical Properties of 3-Dimensional Printed Models Used for Neurointervention: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Muhammad Waqas et al. Neurosurgery. .

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has revolutionized training, education, and device testing. Understanding the design and physical properties of 3D-printed models is important.

Objective: To systematically review the design, physical properties, accuracy, and experimental outcomes of 3D-printed vascular models used in neurointervention.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature between January 1, 2000 and September 30, 2018. Public/Publisher MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Compendex, Cochrane, and Inspec databases were searched using Medical Subject Heading terms for design and physical attributes of 3D-printed models for neurointervention. Information on design and physical properties like compliance, lubricity, flow system, accuracy, and outcome measures were collected.

Results: A total of 23 articles were included. Nine studies described 3D-printed models for stroke intervention. Tango Plus (Stratasys) was the most common material used to develop these models. Four studies described a population-representative geometry model. All other studies reported patient-specific vascular geometry. Eight studies reported complete reconstruction of the circle of Willis, anterior, and posterior circulation. Four studies reported a model with extracranial vasculature. One prototype study reported compliance and lubricity. Reported circulation systems included manual flushing, programmable pistons, peristaltic, and pulsatile pumps. Outcomes included thrombolysis in cerebral infarction, post-thrombectomy flow restoration, surgical performance, and qualitative feedback.

Conclusion: Variations exist in the material, design, and extent of reconstruction of vasculature of 3D-printed models. There is a need for objective characterization of 3D-printed vascular models. We propose the development of population representative 3D-printed models for skill improvement or device testing.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Arteriovenous malformation; Compliance; Lubricity; Neurointervention; Stroke; Three-dimensional (3D) printed model; Tortuosity.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
PRISMA flow diagram shows the number of articles searched and excluded at each stage of the literature search after screening titles, abstracts, and full texts.
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Shows an algorithm selection of an appropriate design of 3D printed models.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

References

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