About the Journal

Download [This article belongs to Volume - 63, Issue - 01 (January 2023)]


Author : Safa L. Kailan1, Moneer K. Faraj2, Auns Q. H. Al- Neami3

Abstract : Background: 3D printing technology has many advantages in biomedical applications and, recently, in neurosurgery. Its benefits reflect patients and surgeons because it gives a complete, clear, and accurate model of the brain with tumors before the operation. Students can also benefit from these models to study and know the realistic three-dimensional shape of the brain. Aim: This study aims to 1. construct a 3D brain tumor model using 3D slicer software and 3D printing technology, 2. Compare the model created by the software and the constructed model to ensure the accuracy of the printing process, and 3. Use these models for training before the operative and for educational purposes. Materials and methods: MRI, 3D slicer, de Vinci 1.0 A 3D printer, PLA filament, and digital caliper were used in this study. Five subjects with different pathologies and ages participated in this study to construct their brain tumor model. Result: The results of the present study showed successive 3D constructed models for those five subjects. In addition, it showed no large differences in dimensions between the computerized and made 3D model; this indicates that the 3D printer produces an accurate model with dimensions the same as the model created by MRI images of the patient. Conclusion: This study concluded that 3D printing technology offers a useful technique for making affordable brain tumor models for surgical preparation and operator training. The number of errors is decreased since smaller models produce more accurate results than larger ones.