Three-Dimensional Printing-Generated Realistic Anatomy Models and Virtual Endoscopy-Enhanced Intravascular Assessment of Pathologies

Abstract

Editorial | Volume 5 | Number 1| e1 Copyright 2018 by Sun Z. This is an open-access article distributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which allows to copy, redistribute, remix, transform, and reproduce in any medium or format, even commercially, provided the original work is properly cited. cc T (3D) printing has become a widely used technique showing many medical applications which range from orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery to cardiovascular disease and tumor imaging.1-10 Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data-generated 3D printed realistic models have been confirmed to accurately replicate normal anatomical structures and depict pathological changes including a demonstration of complex pathologies such as complicated cardiovascular disease.7-11 3D printed models also serve as a useful tool for pre-surgical planning, simulation of surgical procedures, training medical students and young doctors, and enhancing patient-doctor communications.12-16