Using 3D printing techniques to create an anthropomorphic thorax phantom for medical imaging purposes

Abstract

Purpose: Imaging phantoms are widely used for testing and optimization of imaging devices without the need to expose humans to irradiation. However, commercially available phantoms are commonly manufactured in simple, generic forms and sizes and therefore do not resemble the clinical situation for many patients. Methods: Using 3D printing techniques, we created a life-size phantom based on a clinical CT scan of the thorax from a patient with lung cancer. It was assembled from bony structures printed in gypsum, lung structures consisting of airways, blood vessels >1 mm, and outer lung surface, three lung tumors printed in nylon, and soft tissues represented by silicone (poured into a 3D-printed mold). Results: Kilovoltage x-ray and CT images of the phantom closely resemble those of the real patient in terms of size, shapes, and structures. Surface comparison using 3D models obtained from the phantom and the 3D models used for printing showed mean differences <1 mm for all structures. Tensile tests of the materials used for the phantom show that the phantom is able to endure radiation doses over 24,000 Gy. Conclusions: It is feasible to create an anthropomorphic thorax phantom using 3D printing and molding techniques. The phantom closely resembles a real patient in terms of spatial accuracy and is currently being used to evaluate x-ray-based imaging quality and positional verification techniques for radiotherapy.

Development of a deformable lung phantom with 3D‐printed flexible airways

“…The proposed airway phantom has two major differentiating features from those of previous 3D‐printed phantoms . The first is flexibility.…”

“…Recent advances in three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology have allowed fabrication of complex human anatomy . Several groups have developed anthropomorphic lung phantoms using 3D printing . Jung et al constructed a rigid lung phantom that emulated the density of the lung using a grid‐like structure composed of 0.3 mm strips with 2 mm spacing .…”

“…Mayer et al developed a thorax phantom that consisted of a 3D‐printed thorax shell, saw dust, and a spherical plastic tumor connected to a 3D linear stage. Hazelaar et al proposed an anthropomorphic thorax phantom that was similar to the lung of an actual patient in terms of its spatial accuracy . This phantom emulated the soft tissue, the bony structures, and the complex lung structure using 3D printing as well as molding techniques.…”

“…[23][24][25] Several groups have developed anthropomorphic lung phantoms using 3D printing. [26][27][28] Jung et al constructed a rigid lung phantom that emulated the density of the lung using a grid-like structure composed of 0.3 mm strips with 2 mm spacing. 26 This phantom was used as an insert for a commercialized motion phantom.…”

A framework for clinical commissioning of 3D‐printed patient support or immobilization devices in photon radiotherapy

“…Three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology has substantially improved over the past decade and is already being used within radiotherapy for a variety of applications, including bolus,1, 2, 3 brachytherapy applicators,4 quality control and anthropomorphic phantoms,5, 6, 7, 8 and preclinical immobilization 2, 9. Technology variations across 3D printer vendors introduce different material compositions and print infill patterns that are often proprietary and possess unknown radiologic properties for use in radiotherapy.…”