Abstract
Background
Medical-imaging-based three-dimensional (3D) printed models enable improvement in skills training, surgical planning, and decision-making. This pilot study aimed to use multimodality imaging and to add and compare 3D ultrasound as a future standard to develop realistic neonatal brain models including the ventricular system.
Methods
Retrospective computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D ultrasound-based brain imaging protocols of five neonatal patients were analyzed and subsequently segmented with the aim of developing a multimodality imaging-based 3D printed model. The ventricular anatomy was analyzed to compare the MRI and 3D ultrasound modalities.
Results
A realistic anatomical model of the neonatal brain, including the ventricular system, was created using MRI and 3D ultrasound data from one patient. T2-weighted isovoxel 3D MRI sequences were found to have better resolution and accuracy than 2D sequences. The surface area, anatomy, and volume of the lateral ventricles derived from both MRI and 3D ultrasound were comparable.
Conclusions
We created an ultrasound- and MRI-based 3D printed patient-specific neonatal brain simulation model that can be used for perioperative management. To introduce 3D ultrasound as a standard for 3D models, additional dimensional correlations between MRI and ultrasound need to be examined.
Impact
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We studied the feasibility of implementing 3D ultrasound as a standard for 3D printed models of the neonatal brain.
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Different imaging modalities were compared and both 3D isotropic MRI and 3D ultrasound imaging are feasible for printing neonatal brain models with good dimensional accuracy and anatomical replication.
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Further dimensional correlations need to be defined to implement it as a standard to produce 3D printed models.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Editage (www.editage.com) for English language editing. This study was funded with support from the Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics Starter Grant. Part of this work has been supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG): “Additive Manufacturing for Medical Research, M3dRES” Project (Nr. 858060).
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M.W., T.W., E.U., and G.O. conceptualized and designed the study, drafted the initial manuscript, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. G.K., G.D., G.O., C.D., H.S., P.S., K.G., M.O., K.R., and A.B. helped with data collection, the analysis process, and reviewed and revised the manuscript. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
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No patient consent was required for this study. Permission of the local Institutional Review Board at the Medical University of Vienna (1989/2019) was obtained.
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Wagner, M., Werther, T., Unger, E. et al. Development of a 3D printed patient-specific neonatal brain simulation model using multimodality imaging for perioperative management. Pediatr Res 91, 64–69 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-021-01421-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-021-01421-w
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