Three-Dimensional Printed Modeling of an Arteriovenous Malformation Including Blood Flow

World Neurosurg. 2016 Jun:90:675-683.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.03.095. Epub 2016 Apr 7.

Abstract

Background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent a complex pathologic entity in terms of their associated angioarchitecture and blood flow dynamics.

Methods: Using existing imaging data, we generated a patient's giant AVM to scale.

Results: A series of 3-dimensional (3D) models were generated and blood flow dynamics were represented. Faculty and resident surveys were positive regarding the technology.

Conclusions: This report represents a novel application of 3D printing in neurosurgery and a means to model dynamic blood flow in 3 dimensions. The 3D printed models may improve on our ability to plan for and treat complex vascular pathologies.

Keywords: 3D printing; Arteriovenous malformation modeling; Vascular modeling.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Angiography, Digital Subtraction
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / pathology*
  • Brain / physiopathology*
  • Cerebrovascular Circulation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Internship and Residency
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / pathology*
  • Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / physiopathology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Models, Cardiovascular*
  • Models, Neurological
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Neurosurgical Procedures
  • Precision Medicine
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional* / economics
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Time Factors