title: Three-dimensional (3D) printed endovascular simulation models: a feasibility study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a manufacturing process in which an object is created by specialist printers designed to print in additive layers to create a 3D object. Whilst there are initial promising medical applications of 3D printing, a lack of evidence to support its use remains a barrier for larger scale adoption into clinical practice. Endovascular virtual reality (VR) simulation plays an important role in the safe training of future endovascular practitioners, but existing VR models have disadvantages including cost and accessibility which could be addressed with 3D printing.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study sought to evaluate the feasibility of 3D printing an anatomically accurate human aorta for the purposes of endovascular training.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 3D printed model was successfully designed and printed and used for endovascular simulation. The stages of development and practical applications are described. Feedback from 96 physicians who answered a series of questions using a 5 point Likert scale is presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Initial data supports the value of 3D printed endovascular models although further educational validation is required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Interventional Radiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mafeld
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nesbitt
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McCaslin
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bagnall
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of North Durham, Durham, DH1 5TW, UK.
authors.forename: Philip
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Davey
authors.affiliation: Department of Interventional Radiology, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough TS4 3BW, UK.
authors.forename: Pentop
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bose
authors.affiliation: Department of Interventional Radiology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
authors.forename: Rob
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Williams
keywords: Three-dimensional printing (3D printing); arterial intervention; education; endovascular simulation; experimental interventional radiology