Elastomers three-dimensional biomodels proven to be a trustworthy representation of the angiotomographic images

Abstract

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture is responsible for 80% of spontaneous arachnoid hemorrhages and associated with an extremely high mortality rate. Two possible surgical interventions are endovascular embolization and microsurgical clipping. Three-dimensional (3D) prototyping models help in surgical planning minimizing perioperative risks in both methods and reducing operating time. Methods: 3D biomodels were printed with flexible material (elastomer) using angiotomographic DICOM acquired images and compared to 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images. Results: 3D biomodels represented the aneurysm angioarchitecture exactly, especially the neck and domus features. Conclusion: Elastomers 3D biomodels proved to be a trustworthy representation of the angiotomographic images and could be used to help surgical planning in IA treatment.