Comparative Analysis of Tracheal 3D Printed Biomodels Fabricated with Polylactic Acid and Thermoplastic Polyurethane
摘要
The respiratory system constitutes a vital aspect of human life, as it facilitates the crucial task of oxygen supply to the entire body. Tracheal disorders can significantly impede the functionality of the respiratory system, with tracheal stenosis posing a notable challenge by constricting the tracheal lumen. Additive manufacturing presents novel avenues for medicine and biomedical engineering by enabling rapid prototyping and intricate customization of biomedical models, including those pertaining to tracheal stenosis. The potential of additive manufacturing extends beyond conventional materials, encompassing the utilization of alternative materials and clinical integration of biomodels. The goal of this study was to evaluate a 3D printed tracheal biomodel fabricated from two distinct materials to discern their respective suitability in mimicking the organ´s characteristics. The images of computed tomography were selected from Cancer Imaging Archive. Polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were selected as printing filaments, allowing for comprehensive assessment of filament quality and anatomical fidelity. Leveraging software tools such as 3D Slicer and Meshmixer, imperfections were rectified to ensure the biomodels’ precision. The results indicated that PLA-printed biomodels closely mirrored the tracheal dimensions, whereas TPU-printed biomodels exhibited a texture akin to the real tracheal structure, offering a more realistic tactile experience. Hence, PLA-printed biomodels excel in replicating tracheal shape and dimension, while the TPU-printed biomodels, which are deformable, show a greater resemblance to real tracheal tissue.