Microcatheter shaping using three-dimensional printed models for intracranial aneurysm coiling

Abstract

Background and purposeMicrocatheterization is an important, but also difficult, technique used for the embolization of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in microcatheter shaping.MethodsNine cases of internal carotid artery posterior communicating artery aneurysm diagnosed by CT angiography were selected, and 3D printing technology was used to build a 3D model including the aneurysm and the parent artery. The hollow and translucent model had certain flexibility; it was immersed in water and the microcatheter was introduced into the water to the target position in the aneurysm, followed by heating the water temperature to 50°C. After soaking for 5 min, the microcatheter was taken out and the shaping was completed. After sterilization, the shaped microcatheter was used for arterial aneurysm embolization and evaluation was conducted.ResultsNine cases of microcatheter shaping were satisfactory and shaping the needle was not necessary; no rebound was observed. The microcatheter was placed in an ideal position, and the stent-assisted method was used in three cases of wide-neck aneurysm. There were no complications related to surgery.ConclusionA new microcatheter shaping method using 3D printing technology makes intracranial artery aneurysm embolization more stable and efficient.

New concept in neurovascular navigation: technical description and preclinical experience with the Bendit 17 and Bendit 21 microcatheters in a rabbit aneurysm model

“…[1][2][3] Furthermore, the most suitable microcatheter shape remains controversial. [4][5][6][7] In contrast with conventional microcatheters, which have a fixed shape and cannot be altered inside of the patient, bendable and steerable microcatheters allow the user to change the angle and shape of the tip in real time. Although large steerable catheters have been used for years in cardiovascular angiography, 8 9 only a few studies have discussed the potential benefits of steerable microcatheters in other applications, mostly in the liver and kidney.…”

“…Navigation through unfavorable vascular anatomy and unstable device delivery are common challenges for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms 1–3. Furthermore, the most suitable microcatheter shape remains controversial 4–7. In contrast with conventional microcatheters, which have a fixed shape and cannot be altered inside of the patient, bendable and steerable microcatheters allow the user to change the angle and shape of the tip in real time.…”

Clinical experience with the Bendit steerable microcatheter: a new paradigm for endovascular treatment

“…Many types of microcatheters are used for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, with no consensus about the ideal shape of a microcatheter for different procedures. [1][2][3][4] Compared with conventional microcatheters with a fixed shape, steerable microcatheters can bend or articulate, allowing fuller control over the placement of endovascular devices. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The Bendit steerable and bendable microcatheter (Bendit Technologies, Ltd., Petach Tikva, Israel) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance in 2019.…”

“…Many types of microcatheters are used for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, with no consensus about the ideal shape of a microcatheter for different procedures 1–4. Compared with conventional microcatheters with a fixed shape, steerable microcatheters can bend or articulate, allowing fuller control over the placement of endovascular devices 5–12.…”

Application of a Three-dimensional Printed Anatomical Model in Presurgical Planning of Surgical Treatment of Brain Aneurysms

“…Cadaveric studies provide the framework for training in anatomy and anatomic variations but they could not provide training for a specific pathology such as brain tumor neither they could permit accurate presurgical planning because the pathology is absent. 3Dprinted models of human anatomy represent innovative tools for anatomical education and preoperative or preinterventional planning [20,11,21,26].…”