Applications of 3D printing in small animal magnetic resonance imaging

John C. Nouls; Rohan S. Virgincar; Alexander Culbert; Nathann Morand; Dana W. Bobbert; Anne D. Yoder; Robert S. Schopler; Mustafa R. Bashir; Alexandra Badea; Ute Hochgeschwender; Bastiaan Driehuys

doi:10.1117/1.JMI.6.2.021605

15 May 2019 Applications of 3D printing in small animal magnetic resonance imaging

John C. Nouls, Rohan S. Virgincar, Alexander Culbert, Nathann Morand, Dana W. Bobbert, Anne D. Yoder, Robert S. Schopler, Mustafa R. Bashir, Alexandra Badea, Ute Hochgeschwender, Bastiaan Driehuys

Author Affiliations +

Funded by: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institute on Aging (U.S. National Institute on Aging)

Journal of Medical Imaging, Vol. 6, Issue 2, 021605 (May 2019). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.6.2.021605

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has significantly impacted the quality, efficiency, and reproducibility of preclinical magnetic resonance imaging. It has vastly expanded the ability to produce MR-compatible parts that readily permit customization of animal handling, achieve consistent positioning of anatomy and RF coils promptly, and accelerate throughput. It permits the rapid and cost-effective creation of parts customized to a specific imaging study, animal species, animal weight, or even one unique animal, not routinely used in preclinical research. We illustrate the power of this technology by describing five preclinical studies and specific solutions enabled by different 3D printing processes and materials. We describe fixtures, assemblies, and devices that were created to ensure the safety of anesthetized lemurs during an MR examination of their brain or to facilitate localized, contrast-enhanced measurements of white blood cell concentration in a mouse model of pancreatitis. We illustrate expansive use of 3D printing to build a customized birdcage coil and components of a ventilator to enable imaging of pulmonary gas exchange in rats using hyperpolarized Xe129. Finally, we present applications of 3D printing to create high-quality, dual RF coils to accelerate brain connectivity mapping in mouse brain specimens and to increase the throughput of brain tumor examinations in a mouse model of pituitary adenoma.

Citation Download Citation

John C. Nouls, Rohan S. Virgincar, Alexander Culbert, Nathann Morand, Dana W. Bobbert, Anne D. Yoder, Robert S. Schopler, Mustafa R. Bashir, Alexandra Badea, Ute Hochgeschwender, and Bastiaan Driehuys "Applications of 3D printing in small animal magnetic resonance imaging," Journal of Medical Imaging 6(2), 021605 (15 May 2019). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JMI.6.2.021605

Received: 14 September 2018; Accepted: 15 April 2019; Published: 15 May 2019

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

;

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE