3D-printed in vitro models of Stanford type B aortic dissection: A scoping review

TL;DR

3D-printed models of aortic dissections help study anatomy and treatments but need standardization to be more useful.

Contribution

This scoping review identifies gaps and opportunities in 3D-printed aortic dissection models for clinical and research applications.

Findings

Five studies used PolyJet technology with flexible photopolymers for 3D-printed aortic phantoms.

Current models lack standardization and face limitations in material durability and anatomical completeness.

Improved biomimetic materials and protocols could enhance model accuracy and practicality.

Abstract

Patient-specific three-dimensional-printed phantoms have emerged as valuable tools for simulating Stanford type B aortic dissections in vitro, enabling detailed studies of dissection morphology, hemodynamics, and interventional techniques under controlled, anatomically realistic conditions. Despite their potential, current methodologies remain heterogeneous and lack standardization. This scoping review, compliant with the PRISMA guidelines, systematically evaluated literature describing additive-manufactured flexible aortic phantoms specifically for pulsatile flow experiments or endovascular procedures. From an initial pool of 120 publications, five studies met the inclusion criteria, all using clinical imaging data and PolyJet-technology with flexible photopolymers. Four studies used full-scale models to simulate hemodynamics or thoracic endovascular aortic repair, and one investigated imaging properties in smaller segments. Although these phantoms reliably replicate dissection anatomy and flow patterns, widespread adoption is constrained by resource demands, simplified wall mechanics, exclusion of smaller vessel branches, and variable fabrication methods. Additional limitations include material durability and single-use designs. Standardizing fabrication protocols and developing advanced biomimetic materials could significantly enhance the physiological accuracy, reproducibility, and practicality of these models. Patient-specific three-dimensional-printed type B aortic dissections phantoms thus represent potentially valuable tools for improving surgical training, procedural rehearsal, morphological insights, and device innovation, ultimately bridging benchtop simulations and clinical practice.

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