Accuracy of plastic replica of aortic aneurysm using 3D-CT data for transluminal stent-grafting: Experimental and clinical evaluation

Purpose: To plan stent-grafting for aortic aneurysms with complicated morph ology, we prepared life-sized aortic replicas by laser stereolithography us ing helical 3D-CT data. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated by measur ement of vessel phantoms and clinical 3D-CT data. Method: An imaginary aortic wall was created from helical CT images of the aorta, and a hollow plastic replica was produced by laser stereolithogaphy. The accuracy of the replica was evaluated in five abdominal aortic aneurys ms by experimental phantom studies and measurements of the replicas. Results: The mean difference in measurements between 3D-CT images and model vessels and between 3D-CT images and aortic replicas was 0.2 mm each. Ther efore, the difference in measurements between real aortic aneurysms and the replicas was at most 0.4 mm. Conclusion: The accuracy of the replica is satisfactory, making it useful f or preoperative evaluation and simulation for stent-grafting.