Comparison of accuracy of brain biopsy simulation between 3-dimensional-printed guides and neuronavigation in skull-brain tumor models of dogs and cats.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of brain biopsies in skull-brain tumor models (SBTMs) of dogs and cats using 2 techniques: 3-D-printed brain biopsy guides (3D-BBGs) and electromagnetic (EM) neuronavigation.

Methods: Based on the CT data from 12 dogs and 3 cats, a total of 30 SBTMs were created using 3-D-printing technology, with 2 models per data set. Thirty brain biopsies were performed: 15 using 3D-BBGs and 15 using EM neuronavigation. The accuracy of the brain biopsies was assessed by comparing the prebiopsy and postbiopsy models using computer-aided design software.

Results: The median needle placement error for all biopsies was 1.75 mm (range: 0.82 to 3.16 mm), with 1.79 mm (range: 0.94 to 2.94 mm) for the 3D-BBG group and 1.68 mm (range: 0.82 to 3.16 mm) for the EM neuronavigation group. There was no significant difference in accuracy between the 2 methods. In the EM neuronavigation group, the needle placement error correlated significantly with the total needle length, but no such correlation was observed in the 3D-BBG group. Both methods successfully retrieved samples from brain tumor models.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference in the accuracy of brain biopsies performed using 3D-BBGs and EM neuronavigation. This suggests that the choice of method depends on veterinarian preference, available hospital resources, and patient-specific considerations.

Clinical Relevance: This study demonstrates that both 3D-BBG and EM neuronavigation are viable options for performing brain biopsies in veterinary practice, potentially improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in small animals.