SignificanceNeurosurgical fluorescence imaging is a well-established clinical approach with a growing range of indications for use. However, this technology lacks effective phantom-based tools for development, performance testing, and clinician training.AimOur primary aim was to develop and evaluate 3D-printed phantoms capable of optically and morphologically simulating neurovasculature under fluorescence angiography.ApproachVolumetric digital maps of the circle of Willis with basilar and posterior communicator artery aneurysms, along with surrounding cerebral tissue, were generated. Phantoms were fabricated with a stereolithography printer using custom photopolymer composites, then visualized under white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.ResultsFeature sizes of printed components were found to be within 13% of digital models. Phantoms exhibited realistic optical properties and convincingly recapitulated fluorescence angiography scenes.ConclusionsMethods identified in this study can facilitate the development of realistic phantoms as powerful new tools for fluorescence imaging.
Cerebral saccular aneurysms represent a life-threatening condition that typically requires surgical intervention, often accomplished with a clip ligation approach across the aneurysm neck. Fluorescent angiography (FA) with indocyanine green (ICG) - a technique commonly used in neurosurgery – can be utilized to ensure that the neck of the aneurysm is fully ligated, while the adjacent vessels remain patent after clip placement. However, there is currently a lack of standardized performance test methods for surgical microscopes with FA capability. We have developed a 3D-printed, biomimetic aneurysm phantom with the potential to facilitate development and evaluation of these critical surgical instruments. Digital models of the Circle of Willis vasculature, including the multimodal imaging-based detailed anatomical (MIDA) model of the head and neck and a public domain model of a basilar tip aneurysm, were combined to generate a modular aneurysm phantom system. This system includes a basilar artery aneurysm and posterior communicator artery aneurysm phantoms. Non-fluorescent phantom components representing surrounding tissue were derived from the MIDA model. A stereolithography printer was used to create a solid vascular phantom from a custom turbid photopolymer doped with ICGsimulating dye. Feature sizes of printed components were found to be within 2.5% of digital models. Using a custom fluorescence imaging system, we were able to clearly visualize vessels and aneurysms amongst non-fluorescent background structures in the model. The methods for fabrication of a biomimetic neurovascular phantom incorporating realistic pathology have the potential to facilitate development, standardized bench testing and clinical training for intraoperative FA systems.
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