Three-dimensional printing and neuroendovascular simulation for the treatment of a pediatric intracranial aneurysm: case report

Abstract

<jats:p>The use of simulators has been described in a variety of fields as a training tool to gain technical skills through repeating and rehearsing procedures in a safe environment. In cerebrovascular surgery, simulation of skull base approaches has been used for decades. The use of simulation in neurointervention to acquire and enhance skills before treating a patient is a newer concept, but its utilization has been limited due to the lack of good models and deficient haptics. The advent of 3D printing technology and the development of new training models has changed this landscape. The prevalence of aneurysms in the pediatric population is much lower than in adults, and concepts and tools sometimes have to be adapted from one population to another. Neuroendovascular rehearsal is a valid strategy for the treatment of complex aneurysms, especially for the pediatric population. The authors present the case of an 8-year-old boy with a fusiform intracranial aneurysm and documented progressive growth, who was successfully treated after the authors rehearsed the placement of a flow diverter using a patient-specific 3D-printed replicator system model.</jats:p>

Feasibility of a customizable training environment for neurointerventional skills assessment

“…Amid the ongoing development of neuroendovascular devices for the treatment of IA, suitable training opportunities for neurointerventionalists are indispensable. In vitro training enables physicians to practice techniques in safe surroundings and intimately familiarize themselves with the behavior of endovascular devices and may thus contribute to patient safety [12]. The role of in vitro training as a part of physician education in interventional neuroradiology can certainly be further expanded.…”

3D-Printed Disease Models for Neurosurgical Planning, Simulation, and Training

“…The earliest and most common target disease for the 3D-printed cerebrovascular disease model is intracranial aneurysm [ 1 , 4 , 20 , 25 , 27 , 49 , 50 , 57 , 90 , 97 , 112 ]. The texture and elasticity of the developed aneurysm model were realistic enough to simulate surgery [ 2 , 55 , 58 , 69 , 84 ].…”

Hybrid computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging 3D printed models for neurosurgery planning

“…Presurgical assessments of craniosynostosis or skull defect implants are also being addressed by using 3D printing techniques, based on CT segmentations (37,38). Neurovascular applications are mainly focused on the presurgical planning of vascular malformations and aneurysms, including hemodynamic simulations, for the planification of both interventional endovascular or open surgery approaches (32,39,40). Spine surgery may also benefit from the use of 3D printed models for the evaluation of scoliosis or other types of congenital spine malformations as well as for complex vertebral bone lesions, especially those which involve the spinal canal and/ or cord (18).…”