title: Simulative operation on congenital heart disease using rubber-like urethane stereolithographic biomodels based on 3D datasets of multislice computed tomography.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan. sao@hsp.ncvc.go.jp
authors.forename: Isao
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Shiraishi
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamagishi
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hamaoka
authors.forename: Masayuki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fukuzawa
authors.forename: Toshikatsu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yagihara
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D014520:Urethane