3D printed temporal bones for preoperative simulation and planning.

Objective: Demonstrate the utility of 3D printed temporal bone models in individual patient preoperative planning and simulation.

Methods: 3D models of the temporal bone were made from 5 pediatric and adult patients at a tertiary academic hospital with challenging surgical anatomy planned for cochlear implantation or exteriorization of cholesteatoma with complex labyrinthine fistula. The 3D models were created from CT scan used for preoperative planning, simulation and intraoperative reference.

Clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: adult cardiac conditions.

Background: Medical 3D printing as a component of care for adults with cardiovascular diseases has expanded dramatically. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides appropriateness criteria for adult cardiac 3D printing indications.

Methods: A structured literature search was conducted to identify all relevant articles using 3D printing technology associated with a number of adult cardiac indications, physiologic, and pathologic processes.