SIR 2024
General IR
Lucas Richards, MD, MS (he/him/his)
Resident
University of Kansas Medical Center, Interventional Radiology
Financial relationships: Full list of relationships is listed on the CME information page.
Shiv Dalla, MD, MS
Resident
University of Kansas Medical Center
Disclosure information not submitted.
Sirus Saeedipour, DO
Resident
University of Kansas Medical Center, Radiology
Disclosure information not submitted.
Sydney Gibson, BS
Medical Student
Kansas City University, School of Medicine
Disclosure information not submitted.
Ian Baltz, BS, RT
Research assistant
University of Kansas Medical Center, Radiology
Disclosure information not submitted.
Aaron Rohr, MD
Associate Professor
University of Kansas Medical Center
Financial relationships: Full list of relationships is listed on the CME information page.
Patient-specific anatomic models created utilizing 3D printing have been adopted by a variety of medical specialties. In interventional radiology, applications include procedure planning for TIPS, PAE, SAA embolization, and stent-graft modification in AAA repair. While other disciplines have different focuses, interventionists often are most interested in understanding vascular anatomy. Making 3D printed models to aid in this understanding this anatomy introduces a unique set of challenges that can be overcome relatively easily with a combination of affordable and open-source tools.
Clinical Findings/Procedure Details:
3D printed models can be created in 3 steps: Segmentation, Model finishing, and Printing. Segmentation involves selecting the desired anatomy from an imaging study using software that exports geometry as an “STL” file. Some segmentation software options include 3D Slicer (Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA) and Mimics Innovation Suite (Materialise, Leuven, BE). The segmented geometry is representative of intravascular contrast, not the vessel wall, and finishing is required to demonstrate the anatomy properly. A common practice is to extrude from the outer surface of the segmented model, leaving the inside hollow. Thickness of the extrusion depends on the intended use and print material, 1-1.5mm is often sufficient. Model finishing can be done with most design software including Blender (Blender Foundation, Amsterdam, NL) and Fusion360 (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA, USA). Next, the model is exported as an “STL” file and uploaded to a printer, such as a Form3 (FormLabs, Somerville, MA, USA), an affordable desktop printer with many different material options. During printing, it is important to ensure no supports are being created in the vessel lumen and to ensure that all vessels are void of uncured resin prior to the curing process. After washing, curing, and removal of supports, the model is ready for use.
Conclusion and/or Teaching Points:
Application of 3D printed models in interventional radiology continues to expand. Herein, we present a reproducible guide for creating vascular anatomy models. Many options exist for each of the tools needed for printing these models, some of which are open-source, making 3-D printing an affordable technology, interventionists can incorporate into their practice.