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Researchers Study the Effectiveness of 3D Printing in Cardiac Phantoms https://ift.tt/2H3fIaX The heart wants what the hearts wants, as they say, but in many cases, it may also want some help to continue performing its natural duties in pumping blood throughout the body and removing carbon dioxide. The many miracles of modern science allow medical professionals and surgeons to save patients by repairing issues with the heart, and the tools they use to do so continue to progress with technology like advanced imagery, 3D printing—and sometimes the two together. In ‘Optimisation of CT protocols for cardiac imaging using three-dimensional printing technology,’ by Kamarul Amin Abdullah of the University of Sydney, a three-tiered study was performed, beginning with 3D printing a cardiac phantom. Next, it was placed within the Lungman phantom and scanned, allowing researchers to reconstruct data and then measure and compare to figure out dose reduction potential. Last, the use of algorithms with varying strengths and ‘low-tube voltage for dose optimization studies’ was evaluated. Phantoms are commonly used to refine imagery such as CT scans, allowing for better optimization, to evaluate quality, and to establish the dosage of radiation occurring during use—which has become of increasing concern:
The technology of CT scans is so helpful and so widely available today that use continues to increase, along with radiation exposure. Cancer risk is the main concern due to radiation affecting DNA, as well as lungs and breasts made vulnerable during scanning; in fact, in those cases with an organ dose ranging from 42 to 91 mSv regarding the lungs and 50 to 80 mSv for women’s breasts, the risk of cancer is .7 for women 20 years of age, and .03 percent for a man at 80. Lowering cancer risk during exposure is a concern and typical methods for doing so are in using the following:
The scientists see phantom-based dose optimisation methodology as one that is ‘appropriate’ for coronary computed tomography angiography research. Currently, using patient data causes issues because of the resulting radiation, along with finding enough patients who may have coronary artery disease (CAD). Typical phantoms for optimization studies are the Catphan series and American College of Radiology phantoms, attractive to research teams because they are both comprehensive and sophisticated. Here though, a more accurate phantom is required, and the previously mentioned types are not good replicating the desired features. The researchers state that the Lungman anthropomorphic chest phantom is equipped with a phantom that mimics the heart, with surrounding structures and tissues very similar to a real patient. The heart features are lacking, however, with simulation allowed through only one, homogenous material.
They also discuss the benefits of 3D printing in phantom development, as researchers have studied ways to make phantoms mimicking different parts of the anatomy. So far, however, a 3D printed insert of a Lungman phantom has not been created.
The goals of the study include:
While we have seen 3D printing in a wide range of medical models from those fabricated to train medical students to those meant to streamline patient care, to models created for pre-surgical planning. Not a lot of research has been involved in creating cardiac phantoms though. For this study, they were able to 3D print an insert with the same specifications as the first Lungman cardiac insert:
The insert was created on a Creatbot DM Plus 3D printer. Filling materials like contrast media, oil, water, and jelly were loaded into the phantom insert.
The research team found that using an IR algorithm does permit lower exposure through reducing image noise during image reconstruction.
Ultimately, they discovered that 3D printing was suitable for dose optimization studies, allowing for investigation of IR algorithm on dose reduction.
What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com. Printing via 3DPrint.com | The Voice of 3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing https://3dprint.com February 26, 2019 at 01:00AM
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