Abstract
The rapid growth of 3D printing technology has transformed different fields in medicine, for example the fabrication of medical phantoms - physical models mimicking biological tissue in medical imaging and therapy. These phantoms play a crucial role in quality assurance, education, research and training. Unlike traditional methods, 3D printing enables the creation of anatomically accurate, cost-effective, modular, and customizable phantoms with high geometric freedom. A key advantage is the ability to produce patient-based models, tailored to individual anatomies and pathologies using medical imaging data. The workflow involves processing imaging data, refining 3D models, and selecting suitable 3D printing materials. This overview focuses on the workflow, types of phantoms, and the selection of printing techniques and materials. Besides numerous opportunities, challenges include standardization, validation procedures, and ensuring reliability across different systems. The potential of 3D printing in medical phantom development is evident, promising realistic, cost-effective, and personalized solutions for improved medical research.
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Acknowledgments
Parts of this work are carried out within the research project Innovative Technologies in Cancer Diagnostics and Therapy, funded by the Behörde für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Gleichstellung (BWFG) within the framework of the Landesforschungs-Förderung (LFF) Hamburg. The authors would like to thank all involved parties for their funding and support.
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Marie Wegner is a Research Assistant at the Institute of Product Development and Mechanical Engineering Design, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany. She received her M.Sc. in Medical Engineering from Hamburg University of Technology and worked as a scientific research assistant at the Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Her research interests include medical models, phantoms and radiotherapy.
Dieter Krause is the Professor of the Institute of Product Development and Mechanical Engineering Design, Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg, Germany. He received his Dr.-Ing. in Mechanical Engineering from the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg later he became a University Professor and Head of institute at the Hamburg University of Technology. His research interests include development of modular product families as well as structural analysis in the application fields of aviation, mechanical and plant engineering as well as medical technology.
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Wegner, M., Krause, D. 3D printed phantoms for medical imaging: recent developments and challenges. J Mech Sci Technol 38, 4537–4543 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-2407-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12206-024-2407-8