A 3D printed custom-made mask model for frameless neuronavigation during retrosigmoid craniotomy. A preclinical cadaveric feasibility study
Pietro Canzi 1, Irene Avato 1,2, Stefania Marconi 3, Mattia Del Maestro 1,4, Alice Giotta Lucifero 5, Marianna Magnetto 1, Elena Carlotto 1, Ferdinando Auricchio 3, Sabino Luzzi 4,5, Marco Benazzo 1
Affiliations
Article Info
1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pavia, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico “San Matteo”, Pavia, Italy
2 School in Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
3 Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
4 Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
5 Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A 3D printing custom-made mask model was tested in terms of feasibility and accuracy for frameless neuronavigation during retrosigmoid approach. METHODS: A virtual 3D model of a cadaveric injected head was obtained from a high-resolution Computed Tomography (CT) scan and 3D Printed (3DP). The course of the transverse and sigmoid sinus was marked. A transparent custommade 3DP mask model was created as a cast of 3D model. The area of the lateral sinuses was grooved to allow the surgeon to use the mask as a template to draw the course of the sinuses on the patient skull. A right retrosigmoid approach was performed on formalin-fixed injected cadaveric head. Inion and other conventional landmarks were used to mark the course of the sinuses. 3DP mask was used to re-mark the course of the sinuses. The mismatch between the landmarks-based and 3DP mask-based track was assumed as a measure of the accuracy of the 3DP mask model. RESULTS: 3DP mask model resulted precise, feasible, easy and fast to use. A perfect interlocking with the retrosigmoid area was noted. Mismatch between the landmarks-based and 3DP mask-based track was of 4 and 6 mm for transverse and sigmoid sinus, respectively. CONCLUSION: 3DP custom-made mask model is feasible, easily reproducible and reliable for the implementation of a frameless neuronavigation during retrosigmoid approach. Its accuracy is greater than that of the bone landmark neuronavigation. In selected cases, 3DP mask can be a valid option to image-guided optical or electromagnetic tracking systems.
Keywords
- 3D Printing
- Neuronavigation
- Retrosigmoid Approach
- Sigmoid Sinus
- Transverse Sinus
