Microcatheter shaping using three-dimensional printed models for intracranial aneurysm coiling.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Microcatheterization is an important, but also difficult, technique used for the embolization of intracranial aneurysms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in microcatheter shaping.

METHODS:

Nine cases of internal carotid artery posterior communicating artery aneurysm diagnosed by CT angiography were selected, and 3D printing technology was used to build a 3D model including the aneurysm and the parent artery. The hollow and translucent model had certain flexibility; it was immersed in water and the microcatheter was introduced into the water to the target position in the aneurysm, followed by heating the water temperature to 50°C. After soaking for 5 min, the microcatheter was taken out and the shaping was completed. After sterilization, the shaped microcatheter was used for arterial aneurysm embolization and evaluation was conducted.

RESULTS:

Nine cases of microcatheter shaping were satisfactory and shaping the needle was not necessary; no rebound was observed. The microcatheter was placed in an ideal position, and the stent-assisted method was used in three cases of wide-neck aneurysm. There were no complications related to surgery.

CONCLUSION:

A new microcatheter shaping method using 3D printing technology makes intracranial artery aneurysm embolization more stable and efficient.

• Authors: Y Xu, W Tian, Z Wei, Y Li, X Gao, W Li, B Dong
• Journal: Journal of neurointerventional surgery (J Neurointerv Surg) Vol. 12 Issue 3 Pg. 308-310 (Mar 2020) ISSN: 1759-8486 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 31563890 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.

Topics

• Aged
• Catheters
• Cerebral Angiography (instrumentation, methods)
• Circle of Willis (diagnostic imaging)
• Computed Tomography Angiography (instrumentation, methods)
• Embolization, Therapeutic (instrumentation, methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Intracranial Aneurysm (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Printing, Three-Dimensional (instrumentation)
• Stents