Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Numerical Simulation of Intracranial Aneurysm for Sectional Anatomy Based on Computed Tomography Angiography

Abstract

Objective: The mortality of rebleeding after ruptured intracranial aneurysms was more than 40%. It is essential to identify the intracranial artery in sectional anatomy. However, it is difficult for students to understand the intracranial artery in the section. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the application effect of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and numerical simulation of intracranial aneurysm for sectional anatomy based on computed tomography angiography (CTA). Method: Sixty students in medical imaging specialty of our university were divided into two groups. The control group was taught with conventional sectional anatomy and CT images, while the observation group was taught with 3D reconstruction and numerical simulation of intracranial aneurysm. The teaching characteristics and teaching effects were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Result: The 3D reconstruction can accurately express the size, direction, and adjacent relationship of aneurysms. Through rotation of the 3D image, students can easily understand the name and location of cerebral arteries. Combined with the function of 3D positioning, each blood vessel can automatically and accurately locate in the transverse, coronal, and sagittal plane. Abnormal wall shear stress was easily found in the intersection of cerebral artery circle, which was the physiological basis for the occurrence of aneurysms. There was a high shear zone in the root of an aneurysm, which was the physiological factor of rupture. The scores of sectional specimen identification, drawing examination, and theoretical assessment in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The 3D reconstruction and numerical simulation can directly display the 3D morphological and physiological characteristics of intracranial aneurysms, which is convenient for students to understand and memorize. It can reach a good teaching effect in sectional anatomy.