2017 Volume 55Annual Issue 4AM-Abstract Pages 273
[Purpose] Models of the diseased heart produced by 3D printers are expected to provide useful information for surgical procedures. However, the precision of commercially available machines is uncertain. Therefore, we assessed the 3D models by two different methods. [Method] Using DICOM data derived from x-ray CT images of a heart, 3D models were produced by a fused deposition modeling method (FDM) and an ink-jet method. Polylactic resin (PLA) and silicone rubber (AR-G1L) were used as materials for the FDM and ink-jet methods, respectively. [Result] The model created using the FDM was produced at a reduced size due to limitations of the machine, which caused the coronary artery to collapse. It was also difficult to cut. The model created using the ink-jet method was produced at full scale and quite flexible. [Conclusion] The heart model created using the ink-jet method with silicone rubber provides excellent information for surgical treatment.
