Development of a CT-compatible anthropomorphic skull phantom for surgical planning, training, and simulation

Abstract

Neurosurgical procedures require high accuracy and skills, so that practical surgical training is a key factor for successful patient outcomes. Neurosurgical training has been traditionally performed on human cadavers, or more recently on simulation models including virtual reality (VR) platforms. However, these methods have several drawbacks, including ethical and practical concerns. Anthropomorphic phantoms could solve most of the issues related to cadaveric models, and are suitable for simulating several neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to design a realistic and CT-compatible anthropomorphic head phantom that could be used for surgical training and simulation, with a specific focus on endo-nasal skull-base surgery and brain biopsy. A head phantom was created by segmenting a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) image and a T1-weighted MR image from a cadaver. The skull, which includes a complete structure of the nasal cavity and detailed skullbase anatomy, is 3D printed using PLA with calcium. The brain phantom is produced using a 3D printed mold, casting a mixture of PVA, water and coolant. The radiodensity and mechanical properties of the phantom were tested and adjusted in material choice to mimic real-life conditions. In general, surgeons have a positive attitude in using the phantom. The skull and the eloquent structures at the skull-base, as well as the brain parenchyma were realistically reproduced. The head phantom can be employed for neurosurgical education, training and surgical planning, and can be successfully used for simulating endo-nasal skull-base surgery and brain biopsies.

Optical Methods for Brain Tumor Detection: A Systematic Review

“…In summary, given the ongoing technological advancements within the field of neurosurgery [54][55][56], the novelty of these techniques warrants a closer and systematic scrutiny to determine their potential added value. In an attempt to provide alternative technologies as a complement to current neuronavigational image-based and fluorescence-based solutions, this study aimed to investigate the use of four intrinsic optical imaging techniques, which already have evolved from pre-clinical settings to clinical applications in brain tumor surgery.…”

Development of a CT-Compatible, Anthropomorphic Skull and Brain Phantom for Neurosurgical Planning, Training, and Simulation

“…Even though several examples of anthropomorphic phantoms exist, there is no commercially available phantom that produces realistic results when imaged with CT and meets the requirements for the simulation of neurosurgical procedures, including navigated ones. The aim of this study was to design an anatomically accurate anthropomorphic skull and brain phantom optimized for CT for the planning, training, and simulation of neurosurgical procedures, with a specific focus on endonasal skull-base surgery, needle biopsies, and EVD placement [ 14 ].…”

Estudo de materiais e desenvolvimento de um simulador antropomórfico de cabeça e pescoço por meio de impressão 3D

“…Referente às regiões anatômicas reproduzidas por meio da impressão 3D FFF/FDM, 10 trabalhos abordaram o tema, de forma que 7 deles (EHLER et al, 2014;KAIRN et al, 2020;KAMOMAE et al, 2017;NEGUS et al, 2016;OKKALIDIS, 2018;OKKALIDIS & MARINAKIS, 2020;PIROZZI et al, 2019) desenvolveram uma fatia do crânio. Dentre os outros 3, observamos um cubo compreendendo parte da face com os ossos e o cérebro (CEH et al, 2017), um crânio inteiro, maciço e sem calota craniana (YEA et al, 2017a) e, por fim, uma caixa craniana preenchida com um cérebro de silicone (LAI et al, 2021).…”