Simulative operation on congenital heart disease using rubber-like urethane stereolithographic biomodels based on 3D datasets of multislice computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
Stereolithographic biomodelling is a technique where photosensitive liquid resin is polymerised with a pinpoint laser beam controlled by three-dimensional (3D) datasets. This study was designed to assess whether a stereolithographic biomodelling technique is applicable for precise anatomical diagnosis and simulation surgery of complicated congenital heart disease.


METHODS
Twelve stereolithographic biomodels were manufactured with multislice computed tomography (MSCT)-based 3D datasets. They were made of photosensitive liquid epoxy or urethane.


RESULTS
All the solid epoxy and rubber-like urethane biomodels reproduced the complex anatomical structures of the arteries and veins in congenital heart diseases. Furthermore, the rubber-like urethane biomodels allowed the surgeon to cut and suture, thus facilitating the simulation of the surgical operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Stereolithographic biomodelling is a promising technique for the preoperative practice and simulation of individual surgery. This technique would be useful in the planning of novel and innovative surgical procedures of congenital heart disease.
Shiraishi
Isao
I
Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan. sao@hsp.ncvc.go.jp
Yamagishi
Masaaki
M
Hamaoka
Kenji
K
Fukuzawa
Masayuki
M
Yagihara
Toshikatsu
T
D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014520:Urethane
D014520:Urethane