3D-Printed Disease Models for Neurosurgical Planning, Simulation, and Training

Abstract

Spatial insight into intracranial pathology and structure is important for neurosurgeons to perform safe and successful surgeries. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the medical field has made it possible to produce intuitive models that can help with spatial perception. Recent advances in 3D-printed disease models have removed barriers to entering the clinical field and medical market, such as precision and texture reality, speed of production, and cost. The 3D-printed disease model is now ready to be actively applied to daily clinical practice in neurosurgical planning, simulation, and training. In this review, the development of 3D-printed neurosurgical disease models and their application are summarized and discussed.

Simulation to become a better neurosurgeon. An international prospective controlled trial: The Passion study

“…Cadaveric or animal laboratories are highly valuable for their accurate anatomical representation and realistic tactile feedback. However, their widespread accessibility is impeded by substantial costs and inherent ethical concerns, rendering them a less straightforward option for aspiring surgeons in training ( Benet et al, 2014 ; Aboud et al, 2002 ; Park, 2022 ; Błaszczyk et al, 2021 ). In recent times, alternative approaches involve the utilization of physical models, including silicone tubes for microsurgical vascular simulation and 3D models for anatomical learning and tumour resection ( McGuire et al, 2021 ).…”

“…The Besta NeuroSim Center (BNSC) is dedicated to neurosurgical training, equipped with state-of-the-art neurosurgical 3D VR simulators and rehearsal devices, complemented by unique physical brain models. This infrastructure allows residents and neurosurgeons to engage in practice within a risk-free environment ( Benet et al, 2014 ; Aboud et al, 2002 ; Park, 2022 ). The BNSC has demonstrated a strong commitment to training, collaborating extensively with the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) in recent years ( Błaszczyk et al, 2021 ).…”

Application of 3D Printing Positioning Technology in Parasagittal Meningioma Surgery: A Single-center Retrospective Study

“…3D printing technology originated in the early 1980s, and it has been used in a variety of medical applications since the early 2000s. So far, about 150 papers covering 3D-printed neurosurgical disease models established for surgical planning, simulation and training have been published in the English literature [13][14][15] . In recent years, some researchers had applied 3D printing technology to intracerebral hemorrhage surgery and achieved satisfactory outcomes [16][17][18][19] .…”

Custom-Made 3D-Printed Implants for Anterior Column Reconstruction in the Upper Cervical Spine after Intralesional Extracapsular Excision—Report of 2 Cases and Literature Review

“…Among the benefits of 3D-printing, it must be mentioned that it requires detailed planning preoperatively and commits surgeons to its meticulous respect. Furthermore, this same technology can be used to produce models that can be used for patient counselling, or training for follow up, or even experienced surgeons [ 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”