Rapid production of an in vitro anatomical model of human cerebral arteries based on CT images

A rapid production technique of an in vitro model of the human cerebral arteries based on CT scanning is presented. A 3-dimensional image of the cerebral arteries was first obtained using 3-dimensional modeling techniques. Then, a solid wax model of the cerebral arteries was rapid-prototyped with heat-melting and solvent-melting material, and embedded within liquid silicone elastomer solidifying into solid blocks. After the evacuation of the wax model following selective dissolution by heating and using the relevant solvent, a model consisting of a hollow reproduction of the wax model within the silicone block is finally obtained. This model is anatomically accurate for each individual arterial structure, and can be made in a short time without invading a living human. With the proposed technique, arteries with very complicated or high aspect structures are easily reproducible. With our technique, secondary modifications of the arterial configuration may be produced in two different manners, by modifying the corresponding part of the 3-dimensional image, or directly modifying the rapid prototyped model. These techniques are also presented. Since the arterial model presented is transparent to visible light, and gives human-like elasticity and lubrication, by using silicone elastomer as the model material, it should prove useful for a wide range of applications, such as diagnoses, surgical trials prior to practical operation and experimental investigations.