Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Aortic Tissue for 3D Printed Surgical Models

Abstract

3D printed anatomical models can be used for pre surgical planning, medical educational purposes or simply patient education. Next to their complex geometry these surgical models can provide a haptic feedback allowing a gain of experience when practicing on them. For a realistic feedback while handling, fitting materials should be used for manufacture. Since mechanical testing procedures of biological tissue and technical materials have differed in the past, this study concentrates on the evaluation of soft aortic tissue based on technical standards for elastomer testing. Comparing the results to previous biological studies and technical data from 3D printing materials classifies the dimensions of the aortic values.