Saleh Youssuf, Piper Rory, Richard Michael, Jeyaretna Sanjeeva, Cosker Thomas
Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, UK.
Department of Neurosurgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, UK.
J Med Educ Curric Dev. 2022 Mar 7;9:23821205221080703. doi: 10.1177/23821205221080703. eCollection 2022 Jan-Dec.
The role of three dimensional (3D) printing in neurosurgical education is becoming increasingly common. Notably, 3D printing can simulate complex anatomical pathways that may be difficult to regularly and accurately reproduce in cadavers. One such example is the course of the facial nerve within the temporal bone and its relation to the labyrinth. This can aid pre-surgical planning and minimise surgical complications. Here we aim to develop a novel anatomically accurate model of the skull base which demonstrates key neuro vascular components and the course of the facial nerve within the temporal bone by developing a 3D printed model of the skull-base that can be used for medical education and pre-surgical planning.
We utilised a combination of Computed Tomography (CT) and angiography scans to reconstruct the skull base and its vascular contents. Neural components were digitally incorporated under the guidance of the Oxford neurosurgical team and the anatomy department. The model was integrated and printed using polymer jetting.
The model was successfully printed, with all neurovascular components included. Notably we were able to highlight the intra-temporal course of the facial nerve by creating a bony window within the temporal bone.
Through a collaboration with industry and a multidisciplinary team, we were able to reproduce the base of the skull from patient neuro-imaging. Our model is both cost-effective, reproducible and can aid both medical students and neurosurgical trainees in their training/education.
三维（3D）打印在神经外科教育中的作用日益普遍。值得注意的是，3D打印可以模拟复杂的解剖路径，而这些路径在尸体上可能难以定期且准确地重现。一个这样的例子是颞骨内面神经的走行及其与迷路的关系。这有助于术前规划并减少手术并发症。在此，我们旨在通过开发一种可用于医学教育和术前规划的3D打印颅底模型，构建一个新颖的、解剖结构准确的颅底模型，该模型展示关键的神经血管成分以及颞骨内面神经的走行。
我们利用计算机断层扫描（CT）和血管造影扫描相结合的方法来重建颅底及其血管内容物。在牛津神经外科团队和解剖学系的指导下，将神经成分进行数字整合。该模型通过聚合物喷射进行整合和打印。
模型成功打印出来，包含所有神经血管成分。值得注意的是，我们通过在颞骨内创建一个骨窗，突出了面神经在颞骨内的走行。
通过与行业和多学科团队合作，我们能够根据患者的神经影像重现颅底。我们的模型具有成本效益、可重复性，并且可以帮助医学生和神经外科实习生进行培训/教育。
