2025 Volume 53 Issue 2 Pages 102-107
Objective: Three-dimensional printing technology is undergoing progressive development for the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms. Microcatheter (MC) shaping is important for safety and efficacy in the treatment of aneurysms. In contrast to conventional middle-lumen models, we created a 3D mandrel mold (3DMM) that is inexpensive and quick to create and investigated its effectiveness.
Methods: Among the patients who underwent endovascular treatment for cerebral aneurysms at Saiseikai Fukuoka General Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023, 10 patients were included in the manual group, in which MCs were shaped by the operator based on imaging results, and 10 consecutive patients were included in the 3DMM group, in which 3DMMs were used. The following variables were evaluated: treatment method, reshaping, time to implantation of MC into the aneurysm, need for guidewire precedence at MC implantation, MC stability, volume embolization rate (VER), operative time, and complications associated with treatment.
Results: No differences were observed between the two groups in patient background or aneurysm morphology. Compared to those in the manual group, reshaping was significantly less frequent and time to MC placement into the aneurysm was significantly shorter in the 3DMM group (11.4 ± 3.4 vs. 15.5 ± 4.5 min, p<0.05). In the 3DMM group, the guidewire was used less frequently to place the MC into the aneurysm, and stability was higher (95.1 ± 10.4 vs 78.2 ± 21.4%, p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between groups in VER, operative time, or complications.
Conclusion: As we proposed, the novel shaping technique of the MC using a 3DMM facilitates guidance of the MC into the aneurysm and contributes to improved safety.
