title: Rapid prototyping in aortic surgery.
abstract: 3D printing provides the sequential addition of material layers and, thus, the opportunity to print parts and components made of different materials with variable mechanical and physical properties. It helps us create 3D anatomical models for the better planning of surgical procedures when needed, since it can reveal any complex anatomical feature. Images of abdominal aortic aneurysms received by computed tomographic angiography were converted into 3D images using a Google SketchUp free software and saved in stereolithography format. Using a 3D printer (Makerbot), a model made of polylactic acid material (thermoplastic filament) was printed. A 3D model of an abdominal aorta aneurysm was created in 138 min, while the model was a precise copy of the aorta visualized in the computed tomographic images. The total cost (including the initial cost of the printer) reached 1303.00 euros. 3D imaging and modelling using different materials can be very useful in cases when anatomical difficulties are recognized through the computed tomographic images and a tactile approach is demanded preoperatively. In this way, major complications during abdominal aorta aneurysm management can be predicted and prevented. Furthermore, the model can be used as a mould; the development of new, more biocompatible, less antigenic and individualized can become a challenge in the future.
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Unit, 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, Ahepa University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece pbangeas@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Petros
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bangeas
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Unit, 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, Ahepa University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Grigorios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Voulalas
authors.affiliation: Vascular Surgery Unit, 1st Propaedeutic Surgical Department, Ahepa University Hospital of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Kiriakos
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ktenidis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000191:economics / Q000601:surgery*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000295:instrumentation; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional / Q000191:economics; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: 3D printing; Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Grafts; Thermoplastic