3D printed prototype of a complex neuroblastoma for preoperative surgical planning

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is the most common abdominal solid tumour in childhood. Its removal implies a complex surgery that requires surgical experience due to the usual encassement of major abdominal blood vessels. Standard surgical planning is based on CT or MRI images. However, in complex cases, normal anatomy is altered and it is dificult to interpret. 3D virtual planning and 3D Printing (3DP) can overcome this difficulties of comprehension. The most common 3DP technology used for this cases is material jetting. Nevertheless, this technology is very expensive and cannot be widely used. Consequently, its use is limited. The present study seeks to introduce the possibility of reducing costs whilst mantaining the quality of the 3D printed protypes. A full-process of a neuroblastoma case using hybrid manufacturing combining some FFF and some SLS 3D printed parts is presented. The two processes are carried out separately and then joined in a final assembly. The cost of the prototype was 347 €, which is significantly lower than a prototype 3D printed by material jetting.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Surgical planning
• Neuroblastoma
• Fused filament fabrication
• Selective laser sintering
• Additive manufacturing