Research ArticleORIGINAL RESEARCH
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3D-Printed Patient-Specific Models of the Aortic Arch for Advanced Visualization of Complex Neurointerventional Cases

Smruti Mahapatra, Vishal N. Bhimarasetty, Abdul Rahim, Colin N. Curtis, Paul Gulotta and Korak Sarkar
Ochsner Journal May 2025, DOI: https://doi.org/10.31486/toj.24.0124

Article Figures & Data

Figures

  • Figure 1.
    Figure 1.

    Coronal DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images of the aortic arch vasculature from 4 patients: (A) case 1, (B) case 2, (C) case 3, and (D) case 4. Each patient had an abnormal aortic arch with tortuous arteries that complicated neurointerventional procedures. Cases 1, 2, and 3 underwent computed tomography angiography; case 4 underwent magnetic resonance angiography because the patient was allergic to iodine contrast media.

  • Figure 2.
    Figure 2.

    To fabricate the 3D-printed (3DP) patient-specific aortic arches, DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images were obtained from the Ochsner Health Department of Radiology PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). The images were processed and segmented using computer-aided design software. Four views were captured during the 3D visualization step: (A) anterior, (B) posterior, (C) left, and (D) right. Following segmentation, the extracted regions of interest, referred to as masks, were converted into stereolithography files. These files were used to print the models on a stereolithography 3D printer using flexible resin.

  • Figure 3.
    Figure 3.

    Advanced visualization 3D models of aortic arches that were generated after segmentation from the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) images highlight the distinct anatomic features and variations of the aortic arches. The top row shows coronal views, and the bottom row shows sagittal views for (A) case 1, (B) case 2, (C) case 3, and (D) case 4.

  • Figure 4.
    Figure 4.

    Models of patient-specific type III aortic arches were 3D printed using flexible resin and stereolithography: (A) case 1, (B) case 2, (C) case 3, and (D) case 4. The diameters of major vessels, including the ascending and descending aortic trunks, brachiocephalic, subclavian, common carotid, and vertebral arteries, were measured for all 4 models.

  • Figure 5.
    Figure 5.

    This prototype of a multicomponent patient-specific neuroendovascular simulator includes a peristaltic pump with a rotation speed of 120 revolutions per minute (RPM) that facilitates fluid flow through the circuit. Silicone tubing represents the vascular bifurcation. A 3D-printed patient-specific aortic arch model is connected to the simulator system. A guidewire passing through the simulated vasculature completes the intracranial vasculature-focused circuit.

Tables

  • Table.

    Diameters (in mm) of Major Vessels in 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Models

    ArteriesCase 1Case 2Case 3Case 4Average
    Ascending aortic trunk36.7637.8333.0026.9633.64
    Descending aortic trunk29.7230.5223.0024.3526.90
    Brachiocephalic artery17.1115.6311.6512.4914.22
    Subclavian arteriesLeft7.898.836.197.627.63
    Right7.138.596.677.627.50
    Common carotid arteriesLeft7.909.667.087.728.09
    Right9.208.076.367.367.75
    Vertebral arteriesLeftNot measuredNot measured5.585.485.53
    RightNot measuredNot measured3.364.503.93
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