Literature Sharing | Application of 3D Printing and Virtual Modeling in the Evaluation of Visceral Aneurysms and Renal Aneurysms

【Introduction】
In the field of endovascular intervention and minimally invasive treatment, endovascular and minimally invasive management of visceral and renal aneurysms requires precise surgical planning, which has long been a clinical challenge in healthcare.Such aneurysms are often accompanied by complex vascular anatomical variations, and traditional imaging modalities cannot intuitively display three-dimensional structures, bringing considerable uncertainty to treatment planning.The emergence of 3D printing and virtual modeling is providing an innovative solution to this problem. Recent studies have confirmed that high-fidelity models constructed using these technologies can accurately reproduce lesion details with a dimensional error of only 0.24 mm, offering reliable support for clinical evaluation and surgical planning.

Source：J Clin Med. 2025 Dec 17;14(24):8915. doi: 10.3390/jcm14248915


【Materials and Methods】
Research subjects:
This was a single-center retrospective study that included 30 patients with true visceral and renal artery aneurysms confirmed by abdominal contrast-enhanced CTA, involving a total of 51 aneurysms.Inclusion criteria were adequate vascular contrast on CTA imaging.Exclusion criteria were pseudoaneurysms and post-rupture aneurysms.No exclusion criteria based on aneurysm size were applied, to include lesions of various sizes, morphologies, and disease stages, thus minimizing cohort bias.Of the patients,17 were female (56.7%),13 were male (43.3%).Mean age was 56 years (range: 30–82 years), with no significant difference in age distribution between males and females.

Research Methods:
01 Imaging Processing : CTA images were analyzed using Osiri MD software to measure aneurysm diameter, vessel dimensions, and anatomical variations.
02 Model Construction : Virtual models were generated from DICOM data via 3D Slicer software. Solid models were printed using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technique with TPU95A material. A total of 43 3D models were created, including the aneurysm sac and main vessel lumen.
03 Accuracy Verification : Key dimensions of the models were measured repeatedly using electronic calipers and compared with CTA-based measurements to analyze dimensional errors.


【Results】
01 Clear Visualization of Lesion and Anatomical Features
In the study cohort, splenic artery aneurysms (49%) and renal artery aneurysms (25.5%) were the most common. Half of the patients had multiple aneurysms, and 36.7% presented with anatomical variations (e.g., accessory renal arteries, abnormal hepatic artery origin).3D printing and virtual models accurately reconstructed these complex conditions. They clearly demonstrated not only the morphology of solitary aneurysms but also the course, branching patterns, and adjacent relationships of the vessels in the lesion area.The advantages were especially prominent in complex cases such as hilar hepatic aneurysms.

02 Dimensional Accuracy Meets Clinical Application Standards
Comparative validation showed that the mean dimensional difference between 3D-printed models and CTA measurements was only 0.24 mm (range: 0.02–0.58 mm), with 90% of models having a deviation below 0.5 mm, which is clinically negligible.This high fidelity ensures that the models accurately represent the actual size and morphology of aneurysms, providing reliable references for surgical instrument selection and interventional pathway planning, and reducing treatment risks caused by imaging interpretation errors.

03 A Valuable Assistant for Complex Case Treatment Decisions
For complex cases involving branch vessels arising from the aneurysm sac, tortuous vascular courses, or combined anatomical variations, 3D models demonstrate unique value:
Preoperative Planning ： Physicians can intuitively evaluate aneurysm neck width and branch vessel origins using the model, simulate the delivery and deployment of interventional devices, and optimize surgical strategies.
Doctor-Patient Communication ：Physical models help patients better understand their condition and treatment plan, improving treatment compliance.
Intraoperative Reference ：As an adjunct to intraoperative navigation, they assist clinicians in rapidly locating lesions, reducing operative time and radiation exposure.


【Discussion】
This study confirms that 3D printing and virtual modeling can significantly improve anatomical visualization of visceral and renal artery aneurysms. Their core value is reflected in three aspects:
Precise reconstruction of complex anatomy ：In cases with branches arising from the aneurysm sac, tortuous vascular courses, or anatomical variations, 3D models intuitively display the spatial relationship between lesions and surrounding vessels, overcoming the limitations of 2D imaging.
Optimized surgical planning ：Physicians can use models to simulate interventional device delivery pathways, evaluate stent feasibility, and reduce intraoperative uncertainty—particularly beneficial for designing complex endovascular strategies.
Improved doctor-patient communication ：Physical models help patients better understand their condition and treatment plan, enhancing compliance. They also serve as effective training tools for surgeons.

Despite promising performance, the technology has limitations:Model preparation is time‑consuming (2–22 hours) and relies on specialized image processing and printing skills.Currently, no printing material fully replicates vascular mechanical properties, limiting the realism of preoperative device testing.Accurate reproduction of complex small‑caliber vessels also remains challenging.


【Conclusions】