3D printing of preclinical X-ray computed tomographic data sets

• Published in: Journal of visualized experiments no. 73; p. e50250
• Main Authors: Doney, Evan, Krumdick, Lauren A, Diener, Justin M, Wathen, Connor A, Chapman, Sarah E, Stamile, Brian, Scott, Jeremiah E, Ravosa, Matthew J, Van Avermaete, Tony, Leevy, W Matthew
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States MyJove Corporation 22.03.2013
• Subjects: Animals; Bone and Bones - anatomy & histology; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - instrumentation; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Male; Medicine; Models, Anatomic; Printing - instrumentation; Printing - methods; Rabbits; Rats, Wistar; Skeleton; Skull - anatomy & histology; Software; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - instrumentation; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods
• ISSN: 1940-087X; 1940-087X
• DOI: 10.3791/50250

Three-dimensional printing allows for the production of highly detailed objects through a process known as additive manufacturing. Traditional, mold-injection methods to create models or parts have several limitations, the most important of which is a difficulty in making highly complex products in a timely, cost-effective manner.(1) However, gradual improvements in three-dimensional printing technology have resulted in both high-end and economy instruments that are now available for the facile production of customized models.(2) These printers have the ability to extrude high-resolution objects with enough detail to accurately represent in vivo images generated from a preclinical X-ray CT scanner. With proper data collection, surface rendering, and stereolithographic editing, it is now possible and inexpensive to rapidly produce detailed skeletal and soft tissue structures from X-ray CT data. Even in the early stages of development, the anatomical models produced by three-dimensional printing appeal to both educators and researchers who can utilize the technology to improve visualization proficiency. (3, 4) The real benefits of this method result from the tangible experience a researcher can have with data that cannot be adequately conveyed through a computer screen. The translation of pre-clinical 3D data to a physical object that is an exact copy of the test subject is a powerful tool for visualization and communication, especially for relating imaging research to students, or those in other fields. Here, we provide a detailed method for printing plastic models of bone and organ structures derived from X-ray CT scans utilizing an Albira X-ray CT system in conjunction with PMOD, ImageJ, Meshlab, Netfabb, and ReplicatorG software packages.