Additive Manufacturing for Neurosurgery: Digital Light Processing of Individualized Patient-Specific Cerebral Aneurysms

Abstract

This study aims at demonstrating the feasibility of reproducing individualized patient-specific three-dimensional models of cerebral aneurysms by using the direct light processing (DLP) 3D printing technique in a low-time and inexpensive way. Such models were used to help neurosurgeons understand the anatomy of the aneurysms together with the surrounding vessels and their relationships, providing, therefore, a tangible supporting tool with which to train and plan surgical operations. The starting 3D models were obtained by processing the computed tomography angiographies and the digital subtraction angiographies of three patients. Then, a 3D DLP printer was used to print the models, and, if acceptable, on the basis of the neurosurgeon’s opinion, they were used for the planning of the neurosurgery operation and patient information. All the models were printed within three hours, providing a comprehensive representation of the cerebral aneurysms and the surrounding structures and improving the understanding of their anatomy and simplifying the planning of the surgical operation.