3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education
Abstract Background The importance of reducing error rates in invasive procedures has led to the development of teaching phantoms. In collaboration with surgeons and engineers at the University Hospital of Leipzig, a new 3D-printed simulation model for external ventricular drainage was created. This...
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | 3D Printing in Medicine |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00263-0 |
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| author | Katharina Scheidt Fabian Kropla Dirk Winkler Robert Möbius Martin Vychopen Johannes Wach Erdem Güresir Ronny Grunert |
| author_facet | Katharina Scheidt Fabian Kropla Dirk Winkler Robert Möbius Martin Vychopen Johannes Wach Erdem Güresir Ronny Grunert |
| author_sort | Katharina Scheidt |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The importance of reducing error rates in invasive procedures has led to the development of teaching phantoms. In collaboration with surgeons and engineers at the University Hospital of Leipzig, a new 3D-printed simulation model for external ventricular drainage was created. This model includes system-relevant components such as the ventricular system, the surrounding brain tissue and the skull bone to be trephined. The methodology for developing the simulation model is described in detail. Additionally, the system was initially evaluated by neurosurgeons using a Likert scale. Future studies are planned to assess the system’s accuracy and perform comparative analyses. Methods The data required for analysis were extracted from medical images. The phantom consists of three components: the ventricular system, the brain mass, and the skull bone. The bone component was fabricated via 3D printing using a realistic hard polyamide, PA12. The ventricular system was also 3D printed as a hollow structure using a flexible material, Elastic Resin 50 A from Formlabs. The brain tissue was modeled via a cast gelatin mold. The cerebrospinal fluid was a water solution. Results The system’s initial tests successfully simulated cerebrospinal fluid flow through the tube into the ventricular system. The skull can be trepanned. Additional materials are required at the drilling sites because of chip formation. A more pointed cannula than usual can puncture the ventricular system. With a concentration of 30 g/l, gelatin is a realistic imitation of brain tissue. Conclusion All essential components of the skull, brain and ventricle exhibit a degree of realism that has never been achieved before. In terms of its design and reproducibility, the model is exceptionally well suited for training and consolidating methods and procedures as part of a realistic training program for the placement of external ventricular drainage. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-bc2fc8a3a79e496c964ef6c9b940fd59 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2365-6271 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | 3D Printing in Medicine |
| spelling | doaj-art-bc2fc8a3a79e496c964ef6c9b940fd592025-08-20T01:53:07ZengBMC3D Printing in Medicine2365-62712025-04-011111910.1186/s41205-025-00263-03D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical educationKatharina Scheidt0Fabian Kropla1Dirk Winkler2Robert Möbius3Martin Vychopen4Johannes Wach5Erdem Güresir6Ronny Grunert7Department of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigBiosaxony– Saxony’s Biotech, Medtech and Health Economy ClusterDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigDepartment of Neurosurgery, University of LeipzigAbstract Background The importance of reducing error rates in invasive procedures has led to the development of teaching phantoms. In collaboration with surgeons and engineers at the University Hospital of Leipzig, a new 3D-printed simulation model for external ventricular drainage was created. This model includes system-relevant components such as the ventricular system, the surrounding brain tissue and the skull bone to be trephined. The methodology for developing the simulation model is described in detail. Additionally, the system was initially evaluated by neurosurgeons using a Likert scale. Future studies are planned to assess the system’s accuracy and perform comparative analyses. Methods The data required for analysis were extracted from medical images. The phantom consists of three components: the ventricular system, the brain mass, and the skull bone. The bone component was fabricated via 3D printing using a realistic hard polyamide, PA12. The ventricular system was also 3D printed as a hollow structure using a flexible material, Elastic Resin 50 A from Formlabs. The brain tissue was modeled via a cast gelatin mold. The cerebrospinal fluid was a water solution. Results The system’s initial tests successfully simulated cerebrospinal fluid flow through the tube into the ventricular system. The skull can be trepanned. Additional materials are required at the drilling sites because of chip formation. A more pointed cannula than usual can puncture the ventricular system. With a concentration of 30 g/l, gelatin is a realistic imitation of brain tissue. Conclusion All essential components of the skull, brain and ventricle exhibit a degree of realism that has never been achieved before. In terms of its design and reproducibility, the model is exceptionally well suited for training and consolidating methods and procedures as part of a realistic training program for the placement of external ventricular drainage.https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00263-03D-printingExternal ventricular drainPhantomFormlabsElastic 50ANeurosurgery |
| spellingShingle | Katharina Scheidt Fabian Kropla Dirk Winkler Robert Möbius Martin Vychopen Johannes Wach Erdem Güresir Ronny Grunert 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education 3D Printing in Medicine 3D-printing External ventricular drain Phantom Formlabs Elastic 50A Neurosurgery |
| title | 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| title_full | 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| title_fullStr | 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| title_full_unstemmed | 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| title_short | 3D-printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| title_sort | 3d printed skull model for enhancing training in external ventricular drainage within medical education |
| topic | 3D-printing External ventricular drain Phantom Formlabs Elastic 50A Neurosurgery |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s41205-025-00263-0 |
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