1. Proceedings
  2. I3M
  3. 2022
  4. IWISH
  5. 10.46354/i3m.2022.iwish.004

3D Printed Models of Heart/Aorta/Spine Assembly from CT Scan with IV Contrast: Maintaining Anatomical Correctness and Model Detail 

  • a Lori Lioce , 
  • b Dietmar Moeller, 
  • c Cooper Gunter,
  • d Trenton Kelsey,
  • e Gary Maddux,
  • f Bernard Schroer
  • a College of Nursing, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville AL 35899, USA
  • b Institute of Applied Stochastics and Operations, Clausthal University of Technology, Clausthal, Germany
  • c,d,e,f Systems Management and Production Center, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville AL 35899, USA
Cite as
Lioce L., Moeller D., Gunter C., Kelsey T., Maddux G., and Schroer B. (2022)., 3D Printed Models of Heart/Aorta/Spine Assembly from CT Scan with IV Contrast: Maintaining Anatomical Correctness and Model Detail. Proceedings of the 11th International Workshop on Innovative Simulation for Healthcare (IWISH 2022). , 004 . DOI: https://doi.org/10.46354/i3m.2022.iwish.004

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of the necessary parameters to assure an anatomically correct and detailed 3D printed model of a heart/aorta/spine assembly that was segmented from a CT (computed tomography) scan using 3DSlicer. The following parameters were analyzed: 1) CT scans with and without an IV contrast agent, 2) CT scan slice thickness of 3.75mm, 2.50mm and 0.98mm and 3) 3DSlicer threshold level, paint and grown from seeds, scissors and smoothing algorithm.  Twenty models were segmented of the heart/aorta/spine assembly from a CT with an IV contrast of 2.50mm and 0.98mm.  Six of these models were then printed on a Prusa i3 MK3. A CT scan with no IV contrast agent was ideal for developing 3D printed models of only the spine and not the heart since the bones were the only structures that were white and visible in the CT scan. An IV contrast agent in the CT scan was necessary for developing 3D printed models of organs such as the heart. The spine was also segmented from a CT with an IV contrast agent, however requiring the removal of many unwanted structures.  The spine was denser than the heart and required a greater threshold value. The less dense heart required a lower threshold value. Therefore, the assembly was segmented into 1) a heart/aortic arch subassembly and 2) an aorta/spine subassembly. Important aspects of the 3D printed model were: 1) anatomical correctness, 2) correct scaling, 3) good modeling detail, and 4) relative location of the heart, aorta and spine and 5) ability for students to hold and view the models.

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