Three-dimensional reconstruction of the uterine vascular supply through vascular casting and thin slice computed tomography scanning.
It was the objective of this study to construct a model of the uterine vascular supply through vascular casting and thin slice computed tomography scanning. This will provide a teaching aide for the understanding of uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedures, as well as normal uterine and ovarian arterial anatomy. Using 20% chlorinated poly vinyl chloride, we infused and cast a set of a normal uterus, vagina and bilateral adnexa through the uterine artery and ovarian artery. After thin slice CT scanning, we obtained the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction by maximum intensity projection (MIP) and surface-shaded display (SSD), and then observed its figure and characteristics. A model of the uterine vascular supply can be successfully reconstructed by vascular casting and thin slice CT scanning. The 3D reconstruction offers a clear view of the course of the uterine artery and its blood supply distribution. It has two major branches: The intramuscular uterine branch and the cervicovaginal branch (1). Blood supply is generally unilateral, with communicating branches between the two sides and possible anastomoses between the arterial blood supply of the uterus and the ovaries. The major blood supply of the cervix comes from the cervicovaginal branch of the uterine artery, while the vaginal arterial supply derives directly from the internal iliac artery. The CT technique allows real-time 360 degrees rotation and changes in model for in-depth study of the vascular network and its adjacent tissues. It is possible to construct an in vitro uterine arterial network by vascular casting and CT scanning, which can provide unique insight into the female genitourinary system arterial network. Based on this, we can create reconstructions as well as models for different diseases such as leiomyomata, adenomyosis, and endometrial cancer. These models will provide morphological evidence to the interventional therapy and UAE teaching in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Chen
Chun-Lin
CL
Nan fang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou, China.
Guo
Hong-Xia
HX
Liu
Ping
P
Huang
Rui
R
Yang
Zhen-Bo Ou
ZB
Tang
Lei
L
Li
Ze-Yu
ZY
Liu
Chang
C
Wu
Kun-Cheng
KC
Zhong
Guang-Ming
GM
Hong
Hui-Wen
HW
Hu
Jie-Wei
JW
Li
Jian-Yi
JY
Yu
Yan-Hong
YH
Zhong
Shi-Zheng
SZ
McLucas
Bruce
B
Beller
Mark
M
D000290:Adnexa Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010053:Ovary / Q000098:blood supply; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride / Q000737:chemistry; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization / Q000379:methods; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D014621:Vagina / Q000098:blood supply
D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride