A 3D printed liver - creating an echogenic and structural model for US guided preoperative planning

In contemporary surgical practice, the intersection of cutting-edge technology and medical innovation has catalyzed developments in preoperative planning. Among these advancements, the utilization of 3D printing technology for the creation of anatomically precise organ models has emerged as a groundbreaking approach. In particular, the application of this technology to the construction of liver phantoms has gained considerable attention due to its potential to revolutionize preoperative planning guided by imaging methods, among them the use of ultrasound (US). The convergence of these attributes will hopefully offer a unique platform for surgeons to engage in meticulous preoperative simulations, enhancing their ability to navigate the complexities of liver surgeries with high accuracy. Initiated through a pilot study, our focus was the creation of a liver model aimed at mimicking both structural and echogenic properties conducive to effective US guidance. The second goal was to create a vasculature detailed as possible that resembles the one of a human liver. For this purpose, a virtual Segmentation for 3D reconstruction of the hepatic vasculature took place. In this paper I address the liver unique anatomical structure and the challenges that are faced in the surgical filed. An overview of the 3D printing technology is made with relevance to preoperative planning uses and finally depicted the material selection, fabrication and segmentation process.