Artificial Cerebral Aneurysm Model for Medical Testing, Training, and Research

• Published in: Neurologia medico-chirurgica Vol. 43; no. 2; pp. 69 - 73
• Main Authors: SUGIU, Kenji, MARTIN, Jean-Baptiste, JEAN, Beatrix, GAILLOUD, Philippe, MANDAI, Shinya, RUFENACHT, Daniel A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Japan The Japan Neurosurgical Society 01.01.2003; THE JAPAN NEUROSURGICAL SOCIETY
• Subjects: artificial model; cerebral aneurysm; Corrosion Casting; detachable coil; endovascular treatment; Humans; Intracranial Aneurysm - pathology; Materials Testing - instrumentation; medical device; medical training; Models, Cardiovascular; Models, Educational; Research - instrumentation; Teaching Materials
• ISSN: 0470-8105; 1349-8029
• DOI: 10.2176/nmc.43.69

Artificial models of cerebral aneurysms for medical training and testing of medical devices were constructed from corrosion casts of the main cerebral arteries of a human specimen. Three aneurysms with a variety of shapes were simulated at typical locations. Rigid and soft models were made of silicone using the “lost wax” technique. The transparent silicone models were anatomically accurate and reproducible copies of human vascular casts. These models could be connected in a closed circuit that used an electric pump to simulate pulsatile flow. Endovascular procedures and surgical clip application were performed under fluoroscopic or direct visual control. Surgical clipping, endoluminal coil manipulation, and consecutive hemodynamic changes were visualized by digital subtraction angiography and direct observation. The model provides trainee surgeons with an understanding of clinical conditions. New medical devices, such as platinum coils, would be experimentally implanted in the model under stable conditions. These anatomically accurate and reproducible models of cerebral vasculature and aneurysms are valuable for medical testing, training, and research.