Clinical Applications of Additive Manufacturing Models in Neurosurgery: a Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction Three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies provide a practical and anatomical way to reproduce precise tailored-made models of the patients and of the diseases. Those models can allow surgical planning, besides training and surgical simulation in the treatment of neurosurgical diseases.

Objective The aim of the present article is to review the scenario of the development of different types of available 3D printing technologies, the processes involved in the creation of biomodels, and the application of those advances in the neurosurgical field.

Methods We searched for papers that addressed the clinical application of 3D printing in neurosurgery on the PubMed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Scopus, and Science Direct databases. All papers related to the use of any additive manufacturing technique were included in the present study.

Results Studies involving 3D printing in neurosurgery are concentrated on three main areas: (1) creation of anatomical tailored-made models for planning and training; (2) development of devices and materials for the treatment of neurosurgical diseases, and (3) biological implants for tissues engineering. Biomodels are extremely useful in several branches of neurosurgery, and their use in spinal, cerebrovascular, endovascular, neuro-oncological, neuropediatric, and functional surgeries can be highlighted.

Conclusions Three-dimensional printing technologies are an exclusive way for direct replication of specific pathologies of the patient. It can identify the anatomical variation and provide a way for rapid construction of training models, allowing the medical resident and the experienced neurosurgeon to practice the surgical steps before the operation.

Resumo

Introdução as tecnologias de impressão 3D proporcionam uma forma prática e anatômica de reproduzir modelos precisos e feitos sob medida dos pacientes e das doenças. Estes modelos podem permitir o planejamento cirúrgico, além de treinamento e simulação cirúrgica no tratamento de doenças neurocirúrgicas.

Objetivo o objetivo do presente artigo é revisar o cenário de desenvolvimento de diferentes tipos de tecnologias de impressão 3D disponíveis, os processos envolvidos na criação de biomodelos e a aplicação destes avanços no campo neurocirúrgico.

Métodos Procuramos por estudos que abordaram a aplicação clínica da impressão 3D em neurocirurgia nas bases de dados PubMed, Ebsco, Web of Science, Scopus e Science Direct. Todos os artigos relacionados ao uso de qualquer técnica de fabricação aditiva foram incluídos no presente estudo.

Resultados Estudos envolvendo impressão 3D em neurocirurgia estão concentrados em três áreas principais: (1) criação de modelos anatômicos adaptados para planejamento e treinamento; (2) desenvolvimento de dispositivos e materiais para o tratamento de doenças neurocirúrgicas, e (3) implantes biológicos para a engenharia de tecidos. Em vários ramos da neurocirurgia, os biomodelos são extremamente úteis. Pode-se destacar o uso em cirurgias de coluna, cerebrovasculares, endovasculares, neuro-oncológicas, neuropediátricas e funcionais.

Conclusões As tecnologias de impressão 3D são uma forma exclusiva de replicação direta das patologias específicas do paciente. Elas podem identificar a variação anatômica e fornecer uma maneira para a construção rápida de modelos do treinamento, permitindo que o residente médico e o neurocirurgião experiente pratiquem as etapas cirúrgicas antes da operação.

Keywords

3D printing - biomodel - neurosurgery

Palavras-chave

impressão tridimensional - biomodelos - neurocirurgia

Contributions of the Authors

Leal A. G.: Conception and design, data analysis and interpretation, drafting of the manuscript; Ramina R.: Critical revision of the manuscript, reading and approval of the final manuscript; Aguiar P. H. P.: critical revision of the manuscript, reading and approval of the final manuscript; Souza M. A.: Research supervision and critical revision of the manuscript, reading and approval of the final manuscript; Fernandes B. L.: critical revision of the manuscript, reading and approval of the final manuscript; Nohama P.: research supervision and critical revision of the manuscript, reading and approval of the final manuscript.

Publication History

Received: 22 July 2021

Accepted: 13 August 2021

Article published online:
26 November 2021

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