EP01.28: Additive manufacturing models of fetuses built from three‐dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

To generate physical fetal models using images obtained by three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide additive manufacturing (AM) technology. Images from 73 pregnant women, including 11 sets of twins, were used. Scans were performed using high-resolution 3DUS. In cases of abnormalities, MR, was performed on the same day as 3DUS. The images obtained with 3DUS, and MRI were exported to a workstation in DICOM format. A single observer performed slice-by-slice manual segmentation using a digital high-definition screen. Software that converts medical images into numerical models was used to construct virtual 3D models, which were physically made using different AM technologies (Ultimaker, USA; Formlabs Form 3 Plus Somerville, MA, USA; MediJet J5 Stratasys, USA). Physical models based upon 3DUS, and MRI were successfully generated. They were like the postnatal appearance of the aborted fetus or newborns. The use of 3DUS and MRI may improve our understanding of fetal anatomical characteristics, and these technologies can be used for educational purposes and as a method for parents to visualise their unborn baby. The images can be segmented and applied separately or combined to construct 3D virtual and physical models.