Spin Coating of 3D Printed Cardiovascular Anatomical Models, Controlling Material Properties on Complex Shapes

Abstract

Summary form only given. Developing effective in vitro models of cardiovascular anatomy for surgical procedure evaluations and medical device performance verification is challenging. This is due to the complex geometry, anisotropic material properties, and spatial variation in material properties. The ability to control these effects enables the production of high fidelity models that can exhibit the proper normal and disease states of these tissues for robust in vitro analysis of the fluid-structure interactions taking place in this region. Proposed is a robotic spin coating system that utilizes 3D printed anatomical models to provide the surface mold. The coating is applied according to the desired properties in the region of the model and allowed to cure. During the layering process, application of different materials in targeted regions of the model allow for pathophysiological structures to be embodied (e.g. calcifications, plaque). The subsequent thin walled model is removed from the 3D printed structure either through peeling or dissolution of the underlying mold. Inflation tests illustrate the region material property differences that are consistent with the in silico model and FEA results used to design the appropriate material property regions. The resulting models will be used for evaluation of corrective surgery procedures and assessment of medical device interactions with a variety of tissue properties.