Volumetric computed tomography reconstruction, rapid prototyping and 3d printing of opossum head (Didelphis albiventris)

Abstract

SUMMARY: Natural anatomical pieces of wild animals are rare and teachers seek alternatives in satisfactory quantity and quality to inform their students. This article aims to describe the use of multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume rendering computed tomography (CT) images, rapid prototyping and 3D printing of opossum head to create a biomodel to veterinary education in descriptive anatomy of wild animals. A six-step method study was conducted to construct the biomodel: (1) selection of opossum head from museum; (2) CT scanning of bones structures in veterinary hospital; (3) DICOM visualization medical images in multiplanar reconstructions and 3D volume rendering; (4).dicom file conversion to.stl; (5) 3D printing of opossum head by rapid prototyping; (6) comparison of 3D model printed with the original anatomical piece. The use of CT images with their different forms of reconstruction can provide a more comprehensive 3D view of opossum craniofacial region and allow a better understanding of head anatomy of this species. The 3D printed biomodel can be a viable alternative to original bone specimens when used in anatomy education. However, further studies must be continued to validate the method in Veterinary Medicine courses.