Material matters: Analysis of density uncertainty in 3D printing and its consequences for radiation oncology

Abstract

If proper quality assurance steps are taken, 3D printed objects can be used accurately and effectively in radiation therapy. It is critically important, however, that the properties of any material being used in patient care be well understood and accounted for.

CT and MRI compatibility of flexible 3D‐printed materials for soft actuators and robots used in image‐guided interventions

“…In previous work, minor differences were found between varying manufacturers and batches for the same material . Nevertheless, we expect the general results to remain stable across platforms.…”

“…We did not perform a long‐term measurement that would have investigated a possible drift of the HU values. A study by Craft et al showed that their measured HU values of 3D‐printed material did not change substantially over time and did not strongly depend on the storage environment …”

3D printing for rapid prototyping of low‐Z/density ionization chamber arrays

“…For instance, 3D printing was used to fabricate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible components, electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, patient‐specific phantoms for quality assurance (QA) including phantoms with variable radiological properties, as well as immobilization devices and patient‐specific applicator holders for skin brachytherapy . Modeling of tissues by 3D printing is growing, although the radiological properties of 3D printing materials must be critically evaluated for QA or dosimetry applications in radiology or radiation oncology . There are also many applications of 3D printing in sensor technology, including pressure sensors, tactile sensors, displacement sensors, accelerometers, magnetic field sensors, electromagnetic sensors and many others …”

“…In the latter, 3D printing has been used for fabrication of parts, fixtures, phantoms and sensors. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] For instance, 3D printing was used to fabricate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatible components, 4 electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes, 5 patient-specific phantoms for quality assurance (QA) including phantoms with variable radiological properties, [6][7][8][9][10] as well as immobilization devices 11 and patient-specific applicator holders for skin brachytherapy. 12,13 Modeling of tissues by 3D printing is growing, 1 although the radiological properties of 3D printing materials must be critically evaluated for QA or dosimetry applications in radiology or radiation oncology.…”

“…12,13 Modeling of tissues by 3D printing is growing, 1 although the radiological properties of 3D printing materials must be critically evaluated for QA or dosimetry applications in radiology or radiation oncology. 10 There are also many applications of 3D printing in sensor technology, including pressure sensors, tactile sensors, displacement sensors, accelerometers, magnetic field sensors, electromagnetic sensors and many others. 2,[14][15][16] One of the difficulties in 3D printing of sensors is that both conductive and nonconductive components must be combined into a single 3D design.…”