Anthropomorphic abdominal aortic phantoms for computed tomography angiography

BACKGROUND: Anthropomorphic vascular test objects are an important tool for improving computed tomography angiography studies, as they allow avoiding the impact of radiation exposure on the patient. The presented work is a continuation of the research in the field of development and implementation of the system of pulse blood flow simulation of vessels for computed tomography angiography studies. Based on the results of successful validation of the experimental test bench using simplified test objects [1], the work on creation of anthropomorphic test objects of the abdominal aorta imitating normal and aneurysmatically dilated vessels was initiated and carried out. AIM: Creation of anthropomorphic test objects of the abdominal aorta from materials that simultaneously mimic the biomechanical and X-ray properties of the real vessel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Publicly available computed tomography data of patients were selected to create anthropomorphic test objects [2]. 3D Slicer software was used to segment studies containing normal and aneurysmatically dilated abdominal aortic lumen. The models obtained during segmentation were processed using Autodesk Meshmixer computer-aided design system. Model preparation for printing was performed using Polygon X computer-aided design system. The models were printed from water-soluble plastic using Picaso X PRO 3D printer. The resulting model was used as the basis for creating a test object using the smearing method. In order to ensure uniform thickness of the vessel wall, a structure, which is a rotating frame with adjustable speed, was developed. A combination of silicone matrix and reinforcing threads was used as a tissueimitating material with the required X-ray and biomechanical properties [3]. RESULTS: Anthropomorphic test objects were made for cases of normal and aneurysmatically dilated abdominal aortic lumen in 1:3 and 1:1 scale. A technological process of material application was developed, which made it possible to obtain a uniform layer of material over the entire volume of the model. CONCLUSION: The results are intended for the development of computed tomography angiographyusing anthropomorphic test objects that allow taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient. Further development of the project involves testing of the obtained test objects within the framework of computed tomography angiography research using a device simulating pulse blood flow.