Application of 3D printed individualized guide plate in intracranial lesion biopsy

Abstract

Objective To explore the feasibility of 3D printing individualized guide plate in the localization and biopsy of intracranial lesion. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 8 patients with intracranial lesions who underwent puncture and biopsy at Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from November 2016 to December 2018. Using preoperative brain CT and MRI enhancement images as the original data, Mimics 17.0 software was used to reconstruct the 3D image, plan the needle position, design the puncture hole, and calculate the puncture depth. Personalized puncture guide plate was printed. During the operation, puncture needle was inserted into the fitting puncture hole, the puncture depth was controlled, biopsy specimen was taken for histopathological examination, and postoperative brain CT was used to evaluate the success of puncture. Results During the operation, the guide plates of the 8 patients were well fitted with the anatomical structure of the puncture site, the orientation and depth of the needle entry were consistent with preoperative design scheme, all puncture operations were completed once and the target tissues were successfully removed, and the average operation duration was 72.0±10.5 min. Brain CT was reexamined 6 hours after operation and no bleeding was found in the puncture trajectory and puncture entry points of 8 patients. None of the patients had intracranial infection or new neurological function deficit related to puncture. Conclusion The 3D printed individualized guide plate could simplify the operation procedure of intracranial lesion puncture biopsy and help achieve the purpose of biopsy accurately, safely and efficiently. Key words: Brain diseases; Biopsy; Punctures; 3D printing; Guider