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Review
. 2023 Jan 16;16(2):880.
doi: 10.3390/ma16020880.

Additive Manufacturing of 3D Anatomical Models-Review of Processes, Materials and Applications

Magdalena Żukowska  1 , Maryam Alsadat Rad  2 , Filip Górski  1
Affiliations
Review

Additive Manufacturing of 3D Anatomical Models-Review of Processes, Materials and Applications

Magdalena Żukowska et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

The methods of additive manufacturing of anatomical models are widely used in medical practice, including physician support, education and planning of treatment procedures. The aim of the review was to identify the area of additive manufacturing and the application of anatomical models, imitating both soft and hard tissue. The paper outlines the most commonly used methodologies, from medical imaging to obtaining a functional physical model. The materials used to imitate specific organs and tissues, and the related technologies used to produce, them are included. The study covers publications in English, published by the end of 2022 and included in the Scopus. The obtained results emphasise the growing popularity of the issue, especially in the areas related to the attempt to imitate soft tissues with the use of low-cost 3D printing and plastic casting techniques.

Keywords: additive manufacturing; hard tissues; medicine; methodology; physical models; soft tissues.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Publications on 3D printing in medicine and Biomedical Engineering published until the end of 2022 in Scopus database.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Publications on the use of physical models manufactured by 3D printing in Scopus database; divided into specific organs and systems [Image designed by brgfx/Freepik].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Methodology of producing physical anatomical models.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Examples of different use of medical imaging: (A) CT images of the pelvis and the generated 3D model [28], (B) measurements taken on X-ray medical imaging after mandibular reconstruction surgery [29], (C) MRI of the brain [30].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Examples of the assessments: (A) 3D printed ribs model with a chicken breast and biopsy needle and ultrasound scan of model [65] (B) 3D printed training tool for simulated endoscopic sinus surgery [66], (C) comparative analysis of the digital model and 3D scan of the printed model [67].
Figure 6
Figure 6
Examples of the use of physical models in medicine: (A) Endoscopic third ventriculostomy surgical simulator [73], (B) model for liver preoperative planning [17], (C) simulated surgery on the skull [47].
Figure 7
Figure 7
The percentage distribution of applications of physical models for soft tissues.
Figure 8
Figure 8
The percentage distribution of applications of physical models for hard tissues.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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