Production of anatomical models via rapid prototyping

Abstract

This work deals with the possibility of using two-dimensional medical image data acquired from computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography for manufacturing of anatomical models via rapid prototyping. These realistic models can be utilised for surgical pre-operation planning or medical training. There is also a huge potential that in the future the customised implant produced via rapid prototyping would replace the currently used implants fabricated by conventional technologies as forging, machining and casting. This could bring the benefits such as the reduction of operating time, the faster patient recovery, no geometrical restrictions and better aesthetic and functional results. In this project the latest medical data processing software Mimics from Materialise was used to generate the three-dimensional models of spinae vertebrae which was adjusted with computer-aided design software Catia and converted into standard triangulated (STL) files. These highly accurate three-dimensional models of anatomical structures in STL format served to create realistic tissue models using rapid prototyping technology with Poly-Jet technology. © 2014 North Atlantic University Union. All rights reserved.