Bio-texture Modeling By Multimaterial 3d Printing System for Laparoscopic Surgical Simulation and Navigation

Maki Sugimoto, title, Takeshi Azuma, title. Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine

 BACKGROUND
3D printing technologies have been used for manufacturing patient-specific models used for planning surgical procedures. However the initial method has been simply printed out by one material. Our new technique of bio-texture modeling by multimaterial 3D printing system enabled simultaneous jetting of different types of model materials enabling the simultaneous use of two different rigid materials, two flexible materials, one of each type, any combination with transparent material, or two jets of the same material to form 3D organ textures and structures. We evaluate an anatomical 3D rapid prototyping modeling to facilitate planning and execution of the laparoscopic surgical procedure and educational aspects.

METHOD
Based on CT and MRI images, regions of interest were segmented using OsiriX software. After generating an STL-file out of the patient’s data set, the inkjet 3D printer created a 3D multimaterial organ model. The patient individual 3D printed models were used to plan and guide the successful laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery.
The 3D objects using combination of transparent and soft materials allowed creation of translucent medical models that show visceral organs and other details that can be handled, overcome the limitation of the conventional image-guided navigation. The gel-like support material, which is specially designed to support complicated geometries, is easily removed by hand and water jetting. This enabled each composite material to provide specific values of bio-texture for tensile strength and elongation to break.

DISCUSSION
These futuristic technologies provide better anatomical reference tool as a tailor-made laparoscopic surgical simulation and navigation, and contribute to medical safety/accuracy, less-invasiveness and improvement of the medical education for students and trainees.
We applied its in robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. The automation of robotic surgery would be possible by recording robotic surgical procedure using such 3D modeling.

CONCLUSION
The bio-texture modeling by multimaterial 3D printing system combines the advantages of conventional 3D modeling, precise virtual 3D planning in laparoscopic surgery.

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