Individual Research Project 03

Modelling and 3D printing for intracranial aneurysms surgery

Beatrice Bisighini – ESR 03

The aim of the project is the development and validation of real-time tools for the visualization and simulation of interventions in intracranial aneurysms. Both 3D printed and virtual models will be developed in a complementary manner. The virtual models should be able to simulate, in real-time, the combined mechanics of coils and their contact against the deformable, patient-specific aneurysm. The candidate will also build a 3D phantom to be used for validation and visualization purposes. 3D printed and virtual representations of the Digital Twin will have a number of advantages consisting in the possibility of: planning in urgent conditions the optimal surgical treatment of broken aneurysms based on specific aneurysm morphology; to study, plan and simulate non-broken and complex aneurysms; to implement training for aneurysm clipping interventions. For the achievement of the objectives, four phases of the research activities are planned: development of the computational model, 3D printed models for validation of simulations and visualization purpose, Clinical Trials, system integration between diagnostic, simulation and additive manufacturing equipment.

Expected Results

• Definition of technical and economical details related to the production of 3D physical aneurysm models

• Definition of procedures to model and manufacture 3D models easy to produce, time and cost efficient.

• Evaluation of clinical benefits of 3D models, in terms of surgical strategy and training.

• Evaluation of benefits in simulation of guide-wire and stent-graft delivery system insertion.