Geometric validation of a pediatric upper airways model made using a
mainstream desktop 3D printer.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become
increasingly affordable. Several research projects used 3D printing to
create in vitro upper airways model. However, studies using a mainstream
desktop 3D printer never performed geometric validation of their model.
The aim of this study was to perform geometric validation of a pediatric
upper airways model printed with a mainstream desktop 3D printer.
METHODS: Head computerized tomography (CT) scan of a
10-month-old female underwent segmentation between airways and
surrounding anatomical structures. Airways segmentation allowed their
measurement for further comparison with printed model. Head segmentation
enabled the creation of a 3D printable volume file. To proceed to the
geometric validation of the head model, the latter underwent a CT scan.
Similar segmentation work was performed on the printed model for
comparison. Overlap proportion between the original infant volume and
the printed model as well as an average Hausdorff distance were
calculated after manual alignment between the original and printed
model. RESULTS: Volumes were 12.31 cm 3 and
12.32 cm 3 for the pediatric and the printed model
upper airways, respectively (0.08% difference). Dice coefficient of
original and printed model was 0.92%. The average Hausdorff distance
was 0.21 mm. CONCLUSION: Desktop mainstream 3D printers can
generate pediatric upper airway model with a high dimensional accuracy,
as evidenced by our comprehensive geometrical validation.