title: A Pilot Study Assessing the Impact of 3-D Printed Models of Aortic Aneurysms on Management Decisions in EVAR Planning.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms with difficult anatomy is challenging. There is no consensus for planning such procedures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six cases of aortic aneurysms with challenging anatomical features, such as short, angulated, and conical necks and tortuous iliacs were harvested. The computed tomography (CT) scans were anonymized. Lifesize 3-dimensional (3-D) printed models were created of the lumen. Endovascular operators were asked to review the CT angiography (CTA), make a management plan, and give an indication of their confidence. They were then presented with the equivalent model and asked to review their decision. Their attitudes to such models were briefly surveyed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 28 endovascular operators reviewed 144 cases. After review of the physical model, the management plan changed in 29 (20.1%) of 144 cases. Initial plan after CTA review was endovascular 73.6%, open repair 22.9%, and second opinion 3.5%. After model review, this became endovascular 67.4%, open repair 19.4%, and second opinion 4.8%. Although the general trend was toward more open procedures, off-label techniques reduced from 19.4% to 15.2% following model review. When the management plan did not change, level of confidence did increase in 37 (43.5%) of 85 cases. The majority of operators stated that they would find models useful for planning in some procedures. For 1 case, the change in the percentage of participants being sure in the management plan was statistically significant (P = .031).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 3-D printed models may be potentially useful in planning cases with EVAR. It is a paradigm that warrants further investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Southend University Hopsital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, United Kingdom matthewtam2005@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Matthew D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Tam
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Southend University Hopsital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Tom R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Latham
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, St. Bartholomew's and the Royal London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kunal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khanna
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Southend University Hopsital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zaman
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience and Vascular Simulation Unit, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Mike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Southend University Hopsital NHS Foundation Trust, Southend, United Kingdom Neuroscience and Vascular Simulation Unit, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Iris Q
authors.initials: IQ
authors.lastname: Grunwald
mesh_terms: D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D000072226:Computed Tomography Angiography; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
keywords: abdominal aortic aneurysm; computerized tomography angiography; endovascular repair