Investigation of the Clinical Value of Three-Dimensional-Printed Personalised Vascular Models for the Education and Training of Clinicians When Performing Interventional Endovascular Procedures

This study aimed to assess the clinical value of three-dimensional printed personalised vascular models (3DPPVMs) in assisting with the pre-operative planning and simulation of endovascular interventions. CT angiographic images of four cases, namely, abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA), carotid artery stenosis, coronary artery stenosis, and renal artery stenosis, were selected, and 3DPPVMs were obtained. A total of 21 clinicians specialising in interventional radiology and vascular surgery were invited to participate in the study, comprising 6 radiologists and 15 vascular surgeons. Of these, 66.7% had not used a 3DPPVM prior to their participation. Considering all areas of experience and all four models, it was observed that 75% of the participants gave a ranking of 7 or above out of 10 with regard to the recommendation of the use of the 3DPPVMs. The mean scores of the participants’ ranking of the models ranged from 3.2 to 4.3 out of 5. The AAA model was ranked the highest for realism (4.10 ± 0.89, p = 0.002), the planning of interventions and simulations (3.90 ± 1.12 and 4.05 ± 0.95), the development of haptic skills (3.56 ± 0.98), reducing the procedure time (3.47 ± 1.12), and clarifying the pathology to patients (4.33 ± 0.69, p all >0.05), indicating consistency amongst the participants. The carotid artery model was ranked the highest for accurately displaying anatomical structures (4.3 ± 0.73). All the 3DPPVMs enhanced the understanding of the disease demonstrated, with rankings between 3.8 and 3.95. All the models aided in elucidating the intervention procedure required and in the planning of vascular interventions, with rankings of 3.5 and 3.9. The highest rankings were given by qualified clinicians with 8 or more years of experience. This study shows the potential value of using 3D-printed vascular models in education for clinicians and patients, as well as for clinical training and the pre-surgical simulation of endovascular stent-grafting procedures.