INTERVIEW
Mimics Innovation Awards Finalist: Camilo Eduardo Pérez Cualtán
2 min read
Patient-Specific 3D-Printed Model for Stent Graft Placement and Practice in Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms
What was the dream?
To explore and evaluate the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) using 3D-modeled and -printed pre-cannulated stent grafts.
What was the challenge?
TAAA are complex aortic pathologies due to their difficult anatomical location and frequent asymptomatic presentation. As a result, it is essential for adequate imaging protocols to be in place. If there is not a detailed and thorough enough representation of the aortic anatomy, this incomplete information can lead to complications such as misalignment, insufficient overlap, migration of the stent graft, limb occlusion, or vessel rupture.
In this case, the device was being used by the medical team for the first time, and this comes with a variety of challenges. Prior to the procedure, which was done on a 69-year-old patient, the authors of the study utilized 3D modeling and printing to simulate and practice the implantation of the pre-annulated, off-the-shelf stent graft.
What are the results?
To simulate and practice the procedure beforehand, Mr. Pérez, under the supervision of Prof. Juan Carlos Briceño Triana, 3D printed two replicas of the patient’s anatomy: one that was translucid and flexible and one that was opaque and rigid. These models were then evaluated under fluoroscopic imaging. Thirty days after the procedure was successfully performed, a follow-up CT scan showed that the stent graft was in the correct position, with no endoleaks. Thus, it was concluded that the use of 3D models, both digital and printed, is valuable for the planning of future TAAA interventions and that they can help avoid procedural complications and improve surgical success rates.
Why this research reached the final
Using a new medical device for treating TAAA is a huge undertaking, but the team was able to successfully deliver and implant the device with the help of Mimics Innovation Suite. By utilizing physical replicas made through 3D modeling and printing in the software, the team was able to thoroughly test the device prior to the intervention, therefore confirming whether the device would be suitable for the particular patient. Ultimately, the team completed a successful implantation and established a comprehensive methodology that can be reused with other patients and different devices.
L-103598-01
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Biography
Camilo Eduardo Pérez Cualtán
Biography
Leading professor: Juan Carlos Briceño Triana
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