title: The utilization of cranial models created using rapid prototyping techniques in the development of models for navigation training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Navigation in neurosurgery has expanded rapidly; however, suitable models to train end users to use the myriad software and hardware that come with these systems are lacking. Utilizing three-dimensional (3D) industrial rapid prototyping processes, we have been able to create models using actual computed tomography (CT) data from patients with pathology and use these models to simulate a variety of commonly performed neurosurgical procedures with navigation systems.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the possibility of utilizing models created from CT scan dataset obtained from patients with cranial pathology to simulate common neurosurgical procedures using navigation systems.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three patients with pathology were selected (hydrocephalus, right frontal cortical lesion, and midline clival meningioma). CT scan data following an image-guidance surgery protocol in DIACOM format and a Rapid Prototyping Machine were taken to create the necessary printed model with the corresponding pathology embedded. The ability in registration, planning, and navigation of two navigation systems using a variety of software and hardware provided by these platforms was assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We were able to register all models accurately using both navigation systems and perform the necessary simulations as planned.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Models with pathology utilizing 3D rapid prototyping techniques accurately reflect data of actual patients and can be used in the simulation of neurosurgical operations using navigation systems.
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Waran
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Devaraj
authors: D
authors: Pancharatnam
authors: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Hari Chandran
authors: HC
authors: Thambinayagam
authors: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Rajagopal
authors: R
authors: Raman
authors: Centre for Biomedical and Technology Integration (CBMTI), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Alwin Kumar
authors: AK
authors: Rathinam
authors: Centre for Biomedical and Technology Integration (CBMTI), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Yuwaraj Kumar
authors: YK
authors: Balakrishnan
authors: Centre for Biomedical and Technology Integration (CBMTI), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Tan Su
authors: TS
authors: Tung
authors: Centre for Biomedical and Technology Integration (CBMTI), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors: Z A
authors: ZA
authors: Rahman
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D038361:Neuronavigation / Q000379:methods*; D011859:Radiography; D012886:Skull / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*