F&S Reports (Sep 2024)
Personalized medicine in the evaluation of Müllerian anomalies: the role of three-dimensional printing technology
Abstract
Objective: To present the comprehensive methodology for generating personalized three-dimensional (3D) printed uterine models from 3D ultrasound (US) volumes in individuals diagnosed with Müllerian anomalies and discuss potential applications in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Design: Pilot study. Setting: Single large university-affiliated teaching hospital. Patient(s): Patients with the presence of a Müllerian anomaly between the ages of 18 and 45 years attending the maternal-fetal medicine as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility outpatient offices from 2018 to 2023 were included in the study. Intervention(s): Subjects underwent 3D US transvaginal scanning for the collection of data. The 3D US volumes were acquired, edited, and exported from a US cart Voluson E10 system (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). High-definition virtual models were created and modified, making them suitable for printing using Materialise 3-Matic Medical (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The models were printed on a J5 MediJet 3D printer (Stratasys, Rehovot, Israel). Colors were set to mimic a realistic appearance, and shore values were set before printing. Main Outcome Measure(s): Successful creation and utilization of personalized 3D-printed uterine models for individuals with Müllerian anomalies. Results(s): Three-dimensional models were created for a uterus without anomalies, 2 variations of a partial septum, a unicornuate, and a didelphys uterus. Models were used as a tactile and customized tool for patient education, counseling, and medical student and resident teaching. This technique illustrates that the creation of personalized 3D-printed uterine models for utilization in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and infertility is feasible. Conclusion(s): We propose a novel use of individualized 3D-printed uterine models in the evaluation of individuals with Müllerian anomalies. These models may play a complementary role to standard imaging options in the assessment of these anomalies, with a special potential for application in highly complex or yet-to-be-determined types of anomalies.
