Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Computed Tomography and X-ray Imaging Phantoms.

Imaging phantoms are used to calibrate and validate the performance of medical computed tomography (CT) systems. Many new materials developed for three-dimensional (3D) printing processes may be useful in the direct printing or casting of biomimetic and geometrically accurate CT and X-ray phantoms. The X-ray linear attenuation coefficients of polymer samples were measured to discover materials for use as tissue mimics in phantoms.

Characterization of 3-Dimensional Printing and Casting Materials for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Phantoms at 3 T.

Imaging phantoms are used to calibrate and validate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems. Many new materials have been developed for additive manufacturing (three-dimensional [3D] printing) processes that may be useful in the direct printing or casting of dimensionally accurate, anatomically accurate, patient-specific, and/or biomimetic MRI phantoms. The T1, T2, and T2* spin relaxation times of polymer samples were tested to discover materials for use as tissue mimics and structures in MRI phantoms.

The design and fabrication of two portal vein flow phantoms by different methods.

Purpose: This study outlines the design and fabrication techniques for two portal vein flow phantoms.

Methods: A materials study was performed as a precursor to this phantom fabrication effort and the desired material properties are restated for continuity. A three-dimensional portal vein pattern was created from the Visual Human database.

An investigation of industrial molding compounds for use in 3D ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging phantoms.

Purpose: This study investigated the ultrasound, MRI, and CT imaging characteristics of several industrial casting and molding compounds as a precursor to the future development of durable and anatomically correct flow phantoms.

Methods: A set of usability and performance criteria was established for a proposed phantom design capable of supporting liquid flow during imaging. A literature search was conducted to identify the materials and methods previously used in phantom fabrication.