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.
Vascular Surgery Department, University Hospital Center of Tours, Hôpital Trousseau, 37044 Tours Cedex, France. p.lermusiaux@trousseau.chu-tours.fr
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Lermusiaux
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Leroux
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JC
Tasse
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L
Castellani
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R
Martinez
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