Aortic aneurysm: construction of a life-size model by rapid prototyping.
Development of new endovascular techniques for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) requires the use of experimental models. Stereolithography is a rapid prototyping technique used in industry to prototype parts during the design phase. A stereolithography apparatus (STL) employs laser technology to build a digital model layer by layer with photopolymer resin. The purpose of this study was to use this technology to produce a life-size AAA model. Data were acquired by CT scan and stored in DICOM 3 format. Specifically designed software was used for 3-D imaging and conversion of data to a standard STL format. Two replicas were made: one to scale and the other 3 mm larger. The final model was made by pouring silicone rubber or polyurethane into the mold over the life-size model so as to obtain a sturdy, life-size, soft, transparent plastic casting. Arterial models made for living subjects with these rapid prototyping techniques can be used to simulate surgical procedures, calibrate imaging modalities, and design new stent grafts.
Lermusiaux
P
P
Vascular Surgery Department, University Hospital Center of Tours, Hôpital Trousseau, 37044 Tours Cedex, France. p.lermusiaux@trousseau.chu-tours.fr
Leroux
C
C
Tasse
J C
JC
Castellani
L
L
Martinez
R
R
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D011140:Polyurethanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D011140:Polyurethanes; D012826:Silicone Elastomers