Three-dimensional (3D)-printed model reconstruction in pre-operative planning for wooden penetrating brain injury

Objective: The advancements in technology have made the use of three-dimensional printed model reconstruction in neurosurgery receive special attention due to its role in the process of decision-making and pre-operative planning. Penetrating brain injuries (PBI) have a high risk of damage to the complex intracranial neurovascular structures. Due to its difficulty, 3D-printed model reconstruction could help neurosurgeons in the decision making of PBI surgery strategy. Methods: The authors reported of an 18-year-old male carpenter who was referred to the hospital due to a wooden PBI. We performed computed tomography (CT) scan, CT angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance venography (MRV) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). We then performed segmentations and integrations of the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data. The digital reconstruction was then used for 3D printing, and the printed model was used for the foreign object extraction simulation for pre-operative planning. Results: There were no intra- and post-operative neurovascular complications after the craniotomy and wooden foreign body extraction procedure. Conclusion: This method was beneficial since it enhances the anatomical visualization of the location and trajectory of the foreign body. Moreover, the printed model allows for a more direct and realistic simulation for the foreign body extraction procedure.