Accuracy of Plastic Replica of Aortic Aneurysm Using 3D-CT Data for Transluminal Stent-grafting: Experimental and Clinical Evaluation

Purpose: To plan stent-grafting for aortic aneurysms with complicated morphology, we prepared life-sized aortic replicas by laser stereolithography using helical 3D--CT data. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated by measurement of vessel phantoms and clinical 3D--CT data.

Method: An imaginary aortic wall was created from helical CT images of the aorta, and a hollow plastic replica was produced by laser stereolithography. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated in five abdominal aortic aneurysms by experimental phantom studies and measurements of the replicas.

Results: The mean difference in measurements between 3D--CT images and model vessels and between 3D--CT images and aortic replicas was 0.2 mm each. Therefore, the difference in measurements between real aortic aneurysms and the replicas was at most 0.4 mm.

Conclusion: The accuracy of the replica is satisfactory, making it useful for preoperative evaluation and simulation for stent-grafting.