How to design and construct a 3D-printed human head phantom

Abstract

In this paper, we will provide a methodology for head phantom development based on in vivo imaging data attained utilizing MRI. The anthropomorphic phantom can be designed to mimic human anatomy. In medical physics, phantoms are physical and/or numerical tools created to represent specified characteristics of human anatomy [1-5]. Phantoms are a less expensive approach for testing and validation of a variety of applications, such as communication or medical diagnostic imaging tools [1,5-7]. Phantoms offer the capability to perform safety testing of diagnostic imaging tools and potentially minimize harmful exposure to a human. A variety of simple commercial [8] and geometric [3,5] phantoms have been used in various medical applications. The development of anthropomorphic phantoms dates back to the 1960s [9,10]. Additive manufacturing, referred to as 3D printing, has become an increasingly useful tool to develop these complex and anatomically accurate phantoms [11]. In a recent review [12], *

A comprehensive electromagnetic evaluation of an MRI anthropomorphic head phantom

“…In summary, the phantom was designed from a 3 T MRI dataset of a healthy volunteer. The fillable compartments of the phantom were segmented in iSeg and the 3D reconstruction of the tissues and compartments in Table 1 is shown in Figure 1 of Reference 58. Computer‐aided design was used to render the phantom and modify the print of the head phantom model in order to fit the build volume of the 3D printer.…”

Establishment of open web platform based on 3D head model for product adaptability analysis and evaluation

“…Wood et al. [ 18 ] proposed a method of developing a head model based on in vivo imaging data obtained using magnetic resonance imaging. Subsequently, the detail and accuracy of the model anatomy were analyzed.…”

Acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene‐based composites for the manufacture of anthropomorphic simulators

“…Since 2013, there has been a significant increase in research focused on anthropomorphic simulators. 20 This growth can be attributed to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing technologies. Among the AM processes used to manufacture simulators, the material extrusion processes, popularly known as fused filament fabrication (FFF) and vat photopolymerization methods.…”

“…Since 2013, there has been a significant increase in research focused on anthropomorphic simulators 20 . This growth can be attributed to the widespread adoption of additive manufacturing technologies.…”

“…However, pure conventional polymers have disadvantages in imitating bone tissue since they do not have a Hounsfield Unit (HU) compatible with these tissues, which are much closer to soft tissues 31 . On the other hand, simulators fabricated using these technologies offer a cost‐effective approach and enable safe testing by closely mimicking human anatomy 20 …”