Ramin Javan MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of this project was to design a prototype semi-realistic multi-material model of the neck for CT and ultrasound-guided interventions.

Autodesk 3D Studio Max, MeshLab, OsiriX and Materialise Mimics software were used to three-dimensionally reconstruct a multitude of virtual 3D models, including the cervical spine vertebral column, cervical spinal cord, trachea, thyroid gland, internal jugular vein and carotid arteries. A variety of rapid prototyping techniques and materials were used to 3D print the elements of the final assembled model using commercially available services. A gypsum-based model of the cervical spine that contains the cervical portion of the spinal cord and its respective nerve roots extending outside the neuroforamina. The trachea was made with polyamide material and also serves as the assembly reference point of the entire model with struts as support apparatus. The hollow vessels were created with tango-black rubber-like flexible material. A thyroid gland mold was made with polyamide. The thyroid gland itself is composed of ballistic-grade gelatin mixed with psyllium to simulate echotexture and with calcium chloride to simulate iodine content. It contains masses of high or low density/echogenicity, which are made by injecting sodium alginate solution with or without hydrogel particles into calcium chloride solution. Level II lymph nodes and parotid glands, which are made the same way as the thyroid masses, are mounted on struts emanating from the trachea. The assembled model was submerged in a container filled with high-concentration gelatin/pectin, which was allowed to congeal in cold temperature, simulating soft tissues of the neck.

The cervical spine is radiodense due to high calcium content of the gypsum, which can be used to practice cervical spine pain management interventions. The rubber-like vessel walls allow for passage of needles simulating vascular access. The thyroid nodules and lymph nodes can be used for practicing fine-needle aspirations. The model is designed to be both CT and ultrasound compatible.

A prototype dual-modality interventional phantom of the neck was successfully developed using 3D printing and molding techniques with a multitude of materials.

This neck model can be used for practicing CT and ultrasound-guided procedures and also serve as a prototype for developing more complex 3D printed models.

Javan, R, An Assembled Prototype Multi-material 3D Printed Model of the Neck for CT and Ultrasound-guided Interventional Procedures.  Radiological Society of North America 2013 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, December 1 - December 6, 2013 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2013/13015853.html