How to make a three-dimensional surgical illustration of cerebral vessels with a personal computer: technical note.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a method of making three-dimensional (3-D) illustrations of cerebral vessels with a personal computer. METHODS: We generated the 3-D images from only two views of conventional angiograms (anteroposterior and lateral views) with a personal computer, two commercial software programs, and an image scanner. RESULTS: This method was applied to 10 consecutive cases of cerebral aneurysms. 3-D images were made in a few hours, and they contributed to assessing vascular structures of an aneurysm complex. CONCLUSION: This method is useful for discussing surgical strategies preoperatively. Our method may be used in any facility where conventional angiography, personal computers, and 3-D software are available.     

三维数字减影血管造影血管虚拟内镜成像在颅内动脉瘤诊治中的作用

目的探讨三维数字减影血管造影（three dimensional digital subtraction angiography,3D DSA）血管虚拟内镜成像在颅内动脉瘤诊治中的作用。方法回顾性分析53例颅内动脉瘤三维DSA血管虚拟内镜成像资料并应用三维DSA血管虚拟内镜成像随访术后载瘤血管及瘤颈残留情况。三维的旋转数字图像由脑血管造影机球管和影像增强器的同步2次240°旋转获得,应用Volume Viewer软件对原始三维图像进行重建,固定密度值并选取感兴趣区,用Navigator软件进行血管虚拟内镜成像,观察血管腔内结构。结果 53例术前三维DSA血管虚拟内镜成像清晰,共检出动脉瘤62个,其中动脉瘤体有穿支血管发出19例（15例手术证实）,动脉瘤内有血栓形成7例（4例手术证实）,载瘤动脉内有动脉粥样硬化斑块5例（3例手术证实）。术后31例3D DSA随访：28例未见瘤颈残留,2例出现载瘤动脉轻度狭窄;2例弹簧圈突入载瘤动脉血管腔内;1例动脉瘤栓塞后瘤颈复发残留,再次开颅夹闭动脉瘤。结论三维DSA血管虚拟内镜成像是一种安全有效的评估颅内动脉瘤管腔结构的方法,不仅可以用于动脉瘤的术前判断,指导手术方式的选择,也可以用于动脉瘤术后的随访,为明确术后载瘤动脉及瘤颈情况提供依据。     

Image-guided vascular neurosurgery based on three-dimensional rotational angiography. Technical note

Three-dimensional rotational angiography is capable of exquisite visualization of cerebral blood vessels and their pathophysiology. Unfortunately, images obtained using this modality typically show a small region of interest without exterior landmarks to allow patient-to-image registration, precluding their use for neuronavigation purposes. The aim of this study was to find an alternative technique to enable 3D rotational angiography-guided vascular neurosurgery. Three-dimensional rotational angiograms were obtained in an angiographic suite with direct navigation capabilities. After image acquisition, a navigated pointer was used to touch fiducial positions on the patient's head. These positions were located outside the image volume but could nevertheless be transformed into image coordinates and stored in the navigation system. Prior to surgery, the data set was transferred to the navigation system in the operating room, and the same fiducial positions were touched again to complete the patient-to-image registration. This technique was tested on a Perspex phantom representing the cerebral vascular tree and on two patients with an intracranial aneurysm. In both the phantom and patients, the neuronavigation system provided 3D images representing the vascular tree in its correct orientation, that is, the orientation seen by the neurosurgeon through the microscope. In one patient, tissue shift was clearly observed without significant changes in the orientation of the structures. Results in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using 3D rotational angiography data sets for neuronavigation purposes. Determining the benefit of this type of navigation should be the subject of future studies.     

Three dimensional vascular ultrasound imaging.

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a new catheter-based system that produces two-dimensional (2D) images of vascular structures. Existing systems produce real-time, cross-sectional "slices" of vessels using 5.0 French (Fr) (30 MHz) and 8.0 Fr (20 MHz) IVUS catheters containing ultrasound transducers at the tip. Computerized, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of these 2D images using a personal computer- (PC) based image analysis system is described. A set (n = 90) of longitudinally aligned, consecutive images is sampled from a 5.0 cm vessel segment, and computerized processing creates rendered 3D images. By adjusting image density threshold and viewing angle, the morphology, location, and spatial distribution of arterial pathology can be seen. Refinements in computer hardware and software have reduced processing time and improved image resolution to the point where 3D IVUS imaging is a clinically applicable tool. Possible applications include diagnosis of complex arterial pathology, guidance of intraluminal instruments, and assessment of the effects of endovascular interventions.     

Simulation of clipping position for cerebral aneurysms using three-dimensional computed tomography angiography

A novel method for the simulation of the clipping position for cerebral aneurysms based on three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) angiography was evaluated. Rotating the regional 3D CT angiography images including the aneurysm provided the virtual intraoperative views of 36 cerebral aneurysms that were eligible for clipping through a pterional approach with a perpendicularly applied straight clip. The cut-along-trace function of the 3D CT workstation was used to simulate the clipping position. The presence or absence of aneurysm remnants was preoperatively evaluated by observing the clipping simulation image. Intraoperative endoscopy and postoperative cerebral angiography were routinely performed to confirm the completeness of obliterations. Nineteen of 21 aneurysms for which complete obliteration was preoperatively expected were confirmed to have no aneurysm remnant. Nine of 15 aneurysms which were expected to have aneurysm remnant were confirmed to persist. The clipping simulation images could correctly predict aneurysm remnant after the initial clipping with a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 60%. The present simulation method can predict aneurysm remnants and improve the likelihood of complete obliteration by clipping.     

Three-dimensional rotational angiography guidance for aneurysm surgery

OBJECT: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of integrating three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) data into a surgical navigation system and to assess its accuracy and potential clinical benefit. METHODS: The study cohort consisted of 16 patients with 16 intracranial aneurysms who had been scheduled for routine or emergency surgery. Rotational angiography data were exported using a virtual reality modeling language file format and imported into the BrainLAB VectorVision2 image-guided surgery equipment. During 3D-RA the position of the head was measured using a special headframe. The authors also determined the accuracy of 3D-RA image guidance and the clinical benefit as judged by the surgeon, including, for example, early identification of branching vessels and the aneurysm. There was good correspondence between the 3D-RA-based navigation data and the intraoperative vascular anatomy in all cases, with a maximum error of 9 degrees of angulation and 9 degrees of rotation. In eight cases, the surgeon determined that the 3D-RA image guidance facilitated the surgical procedure by predicting the location of the aneurysm or the origin of a branching artery that had been covered by brain tissue and blood clots. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of 3D-RA into surgical navigation systems is feasible, but it currently requires a new perspective-registration technique. The intraoperative 3D view provides useful information about the vascular anatomy and may improve the quality of aneurysm surgery in selected cases.     

Evaluation of the contours and perianeurysmal environment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms, using three-dimensional magnetic resonance cisternogram

To evaluate the anatomical relationship between cerebral aneurysm and the perianeurysmal environment within a cisternal space, the contours of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm and pericisternal structures were depicted on a three-dimensional (3D) MR cisternogram. By using perspective volume-rendering algorithm, the 3D MR cisternograms were reconstructed from the source axial volume data set obtained by the T2-weighted 3D fast spin-echo sequence. Those images were shown together with the coordinated 3D MR angiograms through similar visual projections, and then compared with the intraoperative findings. The outer wall configurations of cerebral aneurysms within the cisternal space were shown in conjunction with the accompanying surface veins, adjacent cranial nerves, dura mater and tentorial edge, cranial base bone, and surrounding pericisternal brain surfaces. With application of 3D MR cisternograms in the management of unruptured cerebral aneurysm, the anatomical relationship between the aneurysmal contours and the perianeurysmal environment could be evaluated the within the cisternal space. This might provide another clinical factor when considering the potential risk of growth, rupture, and symptomatic cranial nerve signs of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm.     

Touchless gesture user interface for interactive image visualization in urological surgery

Purpose

In the operating room (OR) a touchless interface is an ideal solution since it does not demand any physical contact and still can provide the necessary control features in a cleansed and sterilized environment.

Methods

Using open-source software libraries and image processing techniques, we implemented a hand tracking and gesture recognition system based on the Kinect device that enables surgeon to successfully touchlessly navigate through the image in the intraoperative setting through a personal computer. We used the InVesalius software, which provides high-quality 3D reconstruction of medical images.

Results

Computed tomography data were intraoperatively fruitfully accessed through a simple and cheap solution in 4 tumor enucleations in 3 male patients in whom elective nephron-sparing surgeries were performed for small non-exophitic tumors. Mean tumor length was 2.7?cm (2.1, 2.7, 2.9 and 3.1?cm), and real-time ultrasound was not necessary for intraoperative identification in 3 of 4 endorenal tumors. All pathological reports revealed renal cell carcinoma, Fuhrman grade I, and negative inked surgical margins. No intra- or postoperative complication was reported.

Conclusions

For the first time in the literature, a touchless user interface solution applying the Kinect device showed to be very efficient and enabled a low-cost and accurate control of the software InVesalius intraoperative, just using hand gestures. It can be used with any mouse-controlled software, opening an avenue for potential applications in many other areas, such as data visualization, augmented reality, accessibility, and robotics. The further validation and advancement of this technology are underway.     

Fusion imaging of the 3D MR cisternography/angiography for the assessment of the intracranial major cerebral arterial stenosis

The fusion imaging of the 3D MR cisternography (MRC) and 3D MR angiography (MRA) was applied for the assessment of the major cerebral arterial stenosis. The outer wall configurations of the stenotic lesions of the intracranial major cerebral arteries within a cisternal space were depicted by 3D MRC. Flow-related vascular structures were shown by 3D MRA. Fusion imaging was created by compositing volumetric data of MRC and co-registered MRA by using a workstation with transparent perspective volume-rendering technique. Stenotic lesions of the intracranial cerebral arteries were assessed as a discrepancy of 3D MRC and 3D MRA findings on a fusion image. Fusion imaging of 3D MRC/MRA could visualize stenotic lesions of the intracranial major cerebral arteries caused by atherosclerotic plaques; and this may provide useful information in the management of acute and chronic ischemic stroke caused by atherosclerosis of the intracranial major cerebral arteries.     

Evaluation of a distal pericallosal aneurysm visualized with 3-dimensional digital subtraction angiography: case report and treatment implications

BACKGROUND: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is considered the gold standard in the evaluation of cerebrovascular structures. Recently, 3-dimensional DSA (3D-DSA) has been increasingly used to obtain detailed information about the morphology and dimensions of intracranial aneurysms. We report the case of a patient who presented with a distal pericallosal artery aneurysm, which appeared by 2D imaging to be a fusiform, possible mycotic aneurysm. This was then revealed to be a saccular bifurcation aneurysm by 3D-DSA. This additional information changed the treatment plan for this patient from medical management to a surgical approach. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient is a 56-year-old man with a history of hypertension and alcohol abuse with withdrawal seizures, who presented with a large intracranial hemorrhage on initial computed tomography scan. After stabilization with intracranial pressure management, the patient underwent magnetic resonance angiography and 4-vessel DSA. These initial studies showed a distal, fusiform pericallosal aneurysm consistent with a mycotic aneurysm. Rotational DSA was then used to generate 3D images of the structure that revealed a saccular bifurcation aneurysm. This enabled the decision to offer operative treatment rather than conservative medical management. DISCUSSION: This report highlights the value of 3D-DSA in establishing the appropriate treatment plan for patients with unique cerebral aneurysms. The higher resolution images used in this case provided information that was crucial in shifting the treatment focus from medical management, for what appeared to be a mycotic aneurysm by traditional DSA, to surgical intervention, for a clear hemodynamic aneurysm at a vessel bifurcation seen with 3D-DSA. Accurate pre-interventional evaluation and differential diagnosis are critical to designing the most effective lowest risk treatment plan. The standard method in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms has been DSA. Yet, higher resolution images of unclear or high-risk aneurysms are often required to guide clinical decision making. The emergence of new, less invasive endovascular techniques for securing intracranial aneurysms has placed greater emphasis on precisely defining the shape and dimensions of an aneurysm. Three-dimensional DSA is currently the highest resolution imaging modality available for the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms. CONCLUSION: 3D-DSA was used to evaluate a small, distal pericallosal artery aneurysm and revealed a saccular bifurcation aneurysm not visualized with magnetic resonance angiography and conventional DSA. This additional resolution permitted the team to consider a surgical approach for a patient who would otherwise have been treated medically. This high-resolution technique is particularly useful in guiding clinical decision making in the context of aneurysms that carry a relatively broad differential diagnosis, potentially high interventional risk, and unclear morphology.     

Intraoperative cerebral angiography: superficial temporal artery method and results

OBJECTIVE: To report the method for and results of intraoperative cerebral angiography performed via the superficial temporal artery, for assessment of cerebral aneurysm surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing craniotomies for treatment of intracranial aneurysms were prospectively entered into a database. A policy of performing angiography via the superficial temporal artery in appropriate cases was instituted. This procedure was performed with retrograde catheterization of the superficial temporal artery, as it coursed over the zygomatic arch, with an 18-gauge, 1.88-inch, intravenous catheter and hand injection of contrast material, with intraoperative digital subtraction fluoroscopic guidance. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients who underwent 38 craniotomies for clipping of 43 aneurysms underwent intraoperative angiography via the superficial temporal artery. There were six unexpected findings (14%), including four unexpected arterial occlusions and two unexpected residual aneurysms. One aneurysm was observed to be patent when it was punctured, after intraoperative angiography had indicated no filling of the aneurysm. Additional clips were placed. Three patients (8%) developed multiple arterial infarctions in the territory of the injected carotid artery, for which multiple causes were possible. Adequate angiographic images could usually be obtained with this method. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative angiography via the superficial temporal artery is simple and is not associated with substantial complications. It is a reasonable alternative to transfemoral angiography for detection of adverse consequences of intracranial aneurysm clipping.     

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging based on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography for superficial cerebral arteriovenous malformation--technical note

Direct surgery remains important for the treatment of superficial cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Surgical planning on the basis of careful analysis from various neuroimaging modalities can aid in resection of superficial AVM with favorable outcome. Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging reconstructed from time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography was developed as an adjunctive tool for surgical planning of superficial AVM. 3-T TOF MR imaging without contrast medium was performed preoperatively in patients with superficial AVM. The images were imported into OsiriX imaging software and the 3D reconstructed MR image was produced using the volume rendering method. This 3D MR image could clearly visualize the surface angioarchitecture of the AVM with the surrounding brain on a single image, and clarified feeding arteries including draining veins and the relationship with sulci or fissures surrounding the nidus. 3D MR image of the whole AVM angioarchitecture was also displayed by skeletonization of the surrounding brain. Preoperative 3D MR image corresponded to the intraoperative view. Feeders on the brain surface were easily confirmed and obliterated during surgery, with the aid of the 3D MR images. 3D MR imaging for surgical planning of superficial AVM is simple and noninvasive to perform, enhances intraoperative orientation, and is helpful for successful resection.     

3D—Recon 3D重建软件在腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术术前评估中的应用

目的总结评价3D-Recon 3D重建软件在腹主动脉瘤患者EVAR手术术前评估中的应用可行性。方法2013年4～10月腹主动脉瘤患者10例,术前分别使用CTA断层二维图像与3D-Recon 3D重建图像对患者EVAR术前的相关参数进行测定,两者间进行对照分析。结果二维图像上测量的血管直径参数均大于3D重建后软件所测得的参数;二维图像上测量的血管长度参数均小于3D重建后软件所测得的参数。9例行EVAR手术的患者按3D重建后软件所测得的参数选择支架,EVAR手术均获得成功。结论3D-Recon 3D重建软件在腹主动脉瘤患者EVAR手术术前评估中的作用优于CTA断层图像。     

Fusion of magnetic resonance angiography and magnetic resonance imaging for surgical planning for meningioma--technical note

A fusion technique for magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR imaging was developed to help assess the peritumoral angioarchitecture during surgical planning for meningioma. Three-dimensional time-of-flight (3D-TOF) and 3D-spoiled gradient recalled (SPGR) datasets were obtained from 10 patients with intracranial meningioma, and fused using newly developed volume registration and visualization software. Maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from 3D-TOF MR angiography and axial SPGR MR imaging were displayed at the same time on the monitor. Selecting a vessel on the real-time MIP image indicated the corresponding points on the axial image automatically. Fusion images showed displacement of the anterior cerebral or middle cerebral artery in 7 patients and encasement of the anterior cerebral arteries in 1 patient, with no relationship between the main arterial trunk and tumor in 2 patients. Fusion of MR angiography and MR imaging can clarify relationships between the intracranial vasculature and meningioma, and may be helpful for surgical planning for meningioma.     

Intraoperative assessment of aneurysm clipping using magnetic resonance angiography and diffusion-weighted imaging: technical case report

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: To use intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging, including magnetic resonance angiography and diffusion-weighted imaging, to monitor the surgical treatment of a patient with an intracranial aneurysm. TECHNIQUE: Intraoperative imaging was performed with a ceiling-mounted, mobile, 1.5-T magnet (developed in collaboration with Innovative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems, Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada) that included high-performance 20-mT/m gradients. Pre- and postclipping, intraoperative, T1-weighted, angiographic and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained from a patient with an incidental, 8-mm, anterior communicating artery aneurysm. RESULTS: T1-weighted images demonstrated brain anatomic features, with visible shifts induced by surgery. Magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated the aneurysm and indicated that, after clipping, the A1 and A2 anterior cerebral artery branches were patent. Diffusion-weighted studies demonstrated no evidence of brain ischemia. CONCLUSION: For the first time, intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging has been used to monitor the surgical treatment of a patient with an intracranial aneurysm.     

快速成型的个体化人工半膝关节的研制--股骨髁的三维建模

目的探讨由螺旋CT扫描数据获取关节软骨表面轮廓信息的方法,为基于快速成型技术的个体化人工半膝关节研究奠定基础. 方法采用Picker 6000螺旋CT机对股骨远端进行层厚1 mm扫描,在CT机Voxel Q图像工作站进行三维容积重建,之后对重建数据间隔0.1 mm下载二维断层图像.应用自行开发的数据格式转换软件,对下载图像进行滤波、去噪等处理,求出断面图像的二维边缘轮廓矢量化数据,输入Surfacer 9.0软件进行矢量化三维重建.针对关节软骨轮廓的识别及假体设计的需要,提取出较精确的关节软骨表面轮廓三维图像,用于个体化人工半膝关节的计算机辅助设计. 结果实现了CT图像信息的矢量转换,获得了有关的关节软骨表面轮廓三维实体模型. 结论由螺旋CT数据进行关节软骨外形轮廓的矢量化重建,可获得精确的关节软骨轮廓三维实体模型,其可编辑性强,为复合大段异体骨移植的人工半膝关节假体计算机辅助设计和快速成型制造奠定了基础;对医学图像信息的矢量转换简便易行,在骨科、口腔颌面外科生物制造领域有较好的应用前景.     

Characterization of the volume data of three-dimensional CT and MR angiograms for the delineation of cerebral aneurysms

Three-dimensional CT angiography and MR angiography with perspective volume rendering were used to investigate two patients with cerebral aneurysms. Compared with the intraoperative photographs, volume data from CT angiogram and MR angiogram were characterized on simulated virtual 3D images with virtual neuro-endoscopic and transluminal imaging techniques. In a case of an unruptured double internal carotid (C2) blister aneurysm, CT angiogram showed a configuration of the distal aneurysm similar to that in the intraoperative photograph, but failed to show the margin of the proximal aneurysm adjacent to the anterior clinoid process bone due to a partial volume effect. The MR angiogram represented both aneurysms and the parent artery, including the C3-C2 internal carotid artery. The whole shape of the aneurysm, however, differed from that in the intraoperative photograph, showing instead an elongation of the aneurysmal dome. In a case of a ruptured tiny middle cerebral artery aneurysm, CT angiogram failed to show the subtle bulging of the aneurysm. In contrast, MR angiogram clearly demonstrated the bulging of the walls at the beginning of the ascending and descending branches of the M2, which is consistent with the aneurysmal convolution observed in the intraoperative photograph. In both cases, transluminal images of the 3D-CT and MR angiograms represented the intraluminal contour of the vessel and aneurysmal walls as a series of rings, and allowed a transluminal view from outside the vessel lumen through the spaces between the rings of the vessel wall. The orifices of the aneurysm and parent arteries were shown through the vessel and aneurysmal walls, providing an extensive perspective view of the angio-architecture of the aneurysm. Morphological configuration of the inner space of the vessel and aneurysm was well visualized on CT angiogram, which was consistent with the operative view. Due to a partial volume effect, the surrounding bony and venous structures overlapped with the aneurysm made them indistinguishable from each other. In contrast, the MR angiogram provided the flow-related volume information, so that dynamics of the flow in the vessel lumen visualized the elongation of the aneurysmal dome and subtle bulging of the tiny aneurysm.     

Advances in the contributions of imaging to stereotaxic localization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations for radiosurgery

Historically, angiography was one of the first diagnostic methods to allow for visualization of neurovascular structures. It has been and still is very useful for precise evaluation of vascular pathology and is one of the main elements in treatment planning for radiosurgical targets. It is the only imaging method that gives insight into the angioarchitecture of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation, possibly reducing the target volume. Construction of frames (Leksell, Fisher) that are compatible with cross-sectional imaging methods, such as CT and MRI allowed there use for planning of stereotactical treatment for brain cerebral arteriovenous malformations. The advantages of these methods are given by the fact, that they are less invasive and that they allow visualization of neurovascular structures and surrounding cerebral structures. Further evolution of the cross-sectional imaging techniques allowed reconstruction of the image data in different planes and segmentation of structures such as vessels. Use of special algorithms allow visualization of the image data, i.e. surface rendering with 3D images of vascular structures. However, such images allow no detailed insight into the angioarchitecture of a cerebral arteriovenous malformation and give rather a view of the whole volume, i.e. a "tumor" aspect of the cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Similar images are currently also obtained with digital substraction angiography using rotational image acquisitions and image postprocessing allowing 3D reconstruction of angiographical image data. The different image evaluation methods are thus complementary all giving useful information for treatment planning. Therefore it would be useful to develop the possibility to integrate the information obtained by these modalities. Image fusion require identification of fiducial marks, what can be performed with application of external marks or by using internal anatomical marks. Recent developments allow now use of vascular structures as fidiucial marks to obtain image fusion. This paper reports on the evolution of stereotactical planning, performed on 541 patients over a period of eight years.     

Personal computer software evaluation in interactive generation of pig liver three-dimensional anatomical images

The efficiency of software for a personal computer in the interactive generation of three-dimensional (3D) images from computer tomography was studied in six pig livers after hepatic resection and catheterization of the hepatic and portal veins. After perfusion the livers were submitted to computed tomography angiography, volumetric measurement by water displacement, and production of an acrylic model of the veins by the injection and corrosion method, by which the lengths of the hepatic and portal veins were measured. From the angiogram, the software generated a 3D image that allowed measurement of the vein lengths. The identified branches of the hepatic and portal veins were correlated with the hepatic sectors and segments, respectively. The virtual measures from the 3D images were compared with the real measures. There were no significant differences between the topography and the vessel length. The mean difference between the volumes calculated from software and those measured by water displacement corresponded to 1.2%, and between the vessel lengths, 0.2%. In conclusion, the software for personal computer (named LIVER3D) is efficient, allowing interactive inspection of 3D images. All virtual measurements of liver vessel length and partial/total liver volume were similar to the actual ones.     

3D-Imaging of cardiac structures using 3D heart models for planning in heart surgery: a preliminary study

The aim of the study was to create an anatomical correct 3D rapid prototyping model (RPT) for patients with complex heart disease and altered geometry of the atria or ventricles to facilitate planning and execution of the surgical procedure. Based on computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, regions of interest were segmented using the Mimics 9.0 software (Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). The segmented regions were the target volume and structures at risk. After generating an STL-file (StereoLithography file) out of the patient's data set, the 3D printer Ztrade mark 510 (4D Concepts, Gross-Gerau, Germany) created a 3D plaster model. The patient individual 3D printed RPT-models were used to plan the resection of a left ventricular aneurysm and right ventricular tumor. The surgeon was able to identify risk structures, assess the ideal resection lines and determine the residual shape after a reconstructive procedure (LV remodelling, infiltrating tumor resection). Using a 3D-print of the LV-aneurysm, reshaping of the left ventricle ensuring sufficient LV volume was easily accomplished. The use of the 3D rapid prototyping model (RPT-model) during resection of ventricular aneurysm and malignant cardiac tumors may facilitate the surgical procedure due to better planning and improved orientation.