Karl-Heinz Herrmann1, Clemens Gärtner2, Daniel Güllmar3, Martin Krämer3, Jürgen R Reichenbach3. 1. Medical Physics Group, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology I, Center of Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Philosophenweg 3, Building 5, 07743 Jena, Germany. Electronic address: Karl-Heinz.Herrmann@med.uni-jena.de. 2. Medical Physics Group, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology I, Center of Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Philosophenweg 3, Building 5, 07743 Jena, Germany; Ernst-Abbe-Fachhochschule Jena, Jena Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 2, 07745 Jena, Germany. 3. Medical Physics Group, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology I, Center of Radiology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Philosophenweg 3, Building 5, 07743 Jena, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate low budget 3D printing technology to create MRI compatible components. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3D printer is used to create customized MRI compatible components, a loop-coil platform and a multipart mouse fixation. The mouse fixation is custom fit for a dedicated coil and facilitates head fixation with bite bar, anesthetic gas supply and biomonitoring sensors. The mouse fixation was tested in a clinical 3T scanner. RESULTS: All parts were successfully printed and proved MR compatible. Both design and printing were accomplished within a few days and the final print results were functional with well defined details and accurate dimensions (Δ<0.4mm). MR images of the mouse head clearly showed reduced motion artifacts, ghosting and signal loss when using the fixation. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that a low budget 3D printer can be used to quickly progress from a concept to a functional device at very low production cost. While 3D printing technology does impose some restrictions on model geometry, additive printing technology can create objects with complex internal structures that can otherwise not be created by using lathe technology. Thus, we consider a 3D printer a valuable asset for MRI research groups.
PURPOSE: To evaluate low budget 3D printing technology to create MRI compatible components. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 3D printer is used to create customized MRI compatible components, a loop-coil platform and a multipart mouse fixation. The mouse fixation is custom fit for a dedicated coil and facilitates head fixation with bite bar, anesthetic gas supply and biomonitoring sensors. The mouse fixation was tested in a clinical 3T scanner. RESULTS: All parts were successfully printed and proved MR compatible. Both design and printing were accomplished within a few days and the final print results were functional with well defined details and accurate dimensions (Δ<0.4mm). MR images of the mouse head clearly showed reduced motion artifacts, ghosting and signal loss when using the fixation. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated that a low budget 3D printer can be used to quickly progress from a concept to a functional device at very low production cost. While 3D printing technology does impose some restrictions on model geometry, additive printing technology can create objects with complex internal structures that can otherwise not be created by using lathe technology. Thus, we consider a 3D printer a valuable asset for MRI research groups.
Authors: John C Nouls; Rohan S Virgincar; Alexander G Culbert; Nathann Morand; Dana W Bobbert; Anne D Yoder; Robert S Schopler; Mustafa R Bashir; Alexandra Badea; Ute Hochgeschwender; Bastiaan Driehuys Journal: J Med Imaging (Bellingham) Date: 2019-05-15
Authors: Dimitris Mitsouras; Thomas C Lee; Peter Liacouras; Ciprian N Ionita; Todd Pietilla; Stephan E Maier; Robert V Mulkern Journal: Magn Reson Med Date: 2016-02-11 Impact factor: 4.668
Authors: Fredrick Roscoe Cook; Eric T Geier; Amran K Asadi; Rui Carlos Sá; G Kim Prisk Journal: 3D Print Addit Manuf Date: 2015-12-01 Impact factor: 5.449