Personalized medicine in the evaluation of Müllerian anomalies: the role of three-dimensional printing technology.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-16-2024

Publication Title

F&S reports

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present the comprehensive methodology for generating personalized three-dimensional (3D) printed uterine models from 3D ultrasound (US) volumes in individuals diagnosed with Müllerian anomalies and discuss potential applications in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

DESIGN: Pilot study.

SETTING: Single large university-affiliated teaching hospital.

PATIENTS: Patients with the presence of a Müllerian anomaly between the ages of 18 and 45 years attending the maternal-fetal medicine as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility outpatient offices from 2018 to 2023 were included in the study.

INTERVENTIONS: Subjects underwent 3D US transvaginal scanning for the collection of data. The 3D US volumes were acquired, edited, and exported from a US cart Voluson E10 system (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL). High-definition virtual models were created and modified, making them suitable for printing using Materialise 3-Matic Medical (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium). The models were printed on a J5 MediJet 3D printer (Stratasys, Rehovot, Israel). Colors were set to mimic a realistic appearance, and shore values were set before printing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful creation and utilization of personalized 3D-printed uterine models for individuals with Müllerian anomalies.

RESULTSS: Three-dimensional models were created for a uterus without anomalies, 2 variations of a partial septum, a unicornuate, and a didelphys uterus. Models were used as a tactile and customized tool for patient education, counseling, and medical student and resident teaching. This technique illustrates that the creation of personalized 3D-printed uterine models for utilization in the fields of reproductive endocrinology and infertility is feasible.

CONCLUSIONS: We propose a novel use of individualized 3D-printed uterine models in the evaluation of individuals with Müllerian anomalies. These models may play a complementary role to standard imaging options in the assessment of these anomalies, with a special potential for application in highly complex or yet-to-be-determined types of anomalies.

Volume

5

Issue

3

First Page

279

Last Page

284

DOI

10.1016/j.xfre.2024.05.003

ISSN

2666-3341

PubMed ID

39381655

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