J. Coles-Black1, J. Chuen1 1Austin Health,Department Of Surgery,Heidelberg, VICTORIA, Australia
Introduction:
3D printing has started to establish itself as an adjunct to endovascular procedures, where the ability to visualise complex anatomy with physical 3D models provides better anatomical clarity than can be achieved with 3D reconstructions or 2D imaging modalities.
Methods:
We performed a literature search using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE and PubMed. The search terms used were “Printing, Three-Dimensional” AND “Vascular Surgery” AND “Endovascular”. This resulted in 18 articles, which were independently read in full to identify relevant studies. The findings from these studies were then compared against our own centre’s experiences with the technology.
Results:
Our literature search identified 10 publications reporting on the use of 3D printing in endovascular procedures, of which 3 (30%) related to the planning of fenestrated grafts. In 6 (60%) of the articles, the 3D printed models were used for simulation. The vast majority (80%) of articles utilised the 3D printed models for interventional planning. In addition, in 100% of cases, the 3D printed models developed for the studies did not degrade after simulation or manual interrogation. Despite this, only 3 (30%) of articles involved the use of 3D printed models for trainee education. Therefore, we highlight the largely untapped potential for these models to be reused for trainee education, which was not explored in the majority of articles.
The studies’ conclusions correlate with our own experiences from our 3D printing lab, where expert vascular surgeons have deemed 3D printed models valuable in the planning of complex cases, such as in cases with short or very angulated
Conclusion:
Vascular Surgery units worldwide, including our own, are starting to explore the applications of 3D printing in endovascular surgery. We attest to the enormous potential for growth in this field, and the ease of adoption of this new technology.
