Intracranial Aneurysm Surgery Aided by a 3D printed Model

Case

A 77-year-old female patient presented with a large, complex basilar arterial aneurysm, which posed significant challenges for the neurosurgical team. The aneurysm, located at the base of the brain, was in close proximity to other critical arteries, making accurate visualization crucial for successful treatment. While traditional CT imaging provided essential diagnostic information, it fell short in offering the detailed spatial understanding required for precise surgical planning. The size of the vessel and its relation to surrounding arteries were difficult to conceptualize from the 2D scans.

Solution

To overcome these limitations and enhance the clinical assessment, the clinical team turned to Axial3D to convert the CT images into a highly accurate, 1:1 scale, flexible 3D printed model of the aneurysm and surrounding anatomy. This model provided the neurosurgical team with a tangible, highly accurate representation of the complex vasculature. The model was instrumental in two key aspects:

1. Pre-Surgical Planning: The team used the 3D model to plan the exact trajectory of the catheter stent deployment, ensuring that the approach would be as precise and minimally invasive as possible. This level of planning is especially critical in complex cases where a misstep could result in catastrophic outcomes for the patient.

2. Stent Selection: The 3D printed model also allowed the surgeons to measure and test the stent directly against the aneurysm replica. This reduced the risk of choosing the wrong size stent, which could lead to complications or failure of the procedure.

Outcomes

The use of the 3D printed model significantly improved the clinicians' understanding of the aneurysm’s size, shape, and its proximity to nearby vessels. By offering an accurate, hands-on visualization of the complex anatomy, the model empowered the team to create a detailed surgical plan well in advance of the operation.

This approach led to several positive outcomes:

• Enhanced Precision: Surgeons were able to plan and execute the procedure with higher confidence and precision, reducing the risk of misplacement or incorrect stent selection.
• Reduced Risk: With the improved planning, the surgical team significantly minimized the potential for intraoperative errors, such as damage to surrounding arteries or improper stent deployment.
• Improved Patient Outcomes: As a result of the enhanced pre-surgical preparation, the patient's surgery was successful, leading to a faster recovery with fewer complications.

This case highlights the powerful role of 3D printed anatomical models in transforming neurosurgical procedures, providing a new level of accuracy that directly contributes to better patient outcomes.

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