Creation and Validation of a Novel 3-Dimensional Pediatric Hip Ultrasound Model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to create and validate a 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound model with normal and abnormal pediatric hip joint anatomy that is comparable to a pediatric hip joint in appearance and anatomy and replicates sonographic characteristics of a pediatric hip joint. METHODS: A 3D rendering of the bone and soft tissue was created from a computed tomography pelvic scan of a pediatric patient. This rendering was modified to include a unilateral joint effusion. The bone was 3D printed with a photopolymer plastic, whereas the soft tissue was cast with a silicone mixture in a 3D-printed mold. The effusion was simulated by injecting saline into the soft tissue cavity surrounding the bone. The ultrasound model was validated by pediatric point-of-care ultrasonographers at an international pediatric ultrasound conference. RESULTS: A pediatric hip ultrasound model was developed that simulates both normal and abnormal pediatric hip joint anatomy, each with an appropriately sized, measurable joint effusion. Validation by pediatric point-of-care ultrasonographers showed that the key aspects of a normal pediatric hip joint (femoral physis, sloped femoral neck, and adequate soft tissue) with an identifiable and measurable effusion were included in the ultrasound model. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we successfully created a cost-effective, reusable, and reproducible 3D pediatric hip ultrasound model. The majority of pediatric point-of-care ultrasonographers who evaluated the model agreed that this model is comparable to a pediatric patient for the purpose of teaching ultrasound skills and joint space measurement.

Microphase Separation of Resilin-like and Elastin-like Diblock Copolypeptides in Concentrated Solutions.

Diblock copolymers are valued for their ability to form thin films with nanoscale features that typically reflect those of their microphase-separated structures in concentrated solution. Here, we show that such self-assembled structures can be easily formed with diblock copolymers composed of thermally responsive polypeptides, such as resilin-like polypeptides (RLP) and elastin-like polypeptides (ELP), by exploiting the inverse temperature transition behavior of ELPs in aqueous media. Specifically, we examine the self-assembly of a series of RLP-b-ELP diblock copolypeptides in concentrated aqueous solution (30 and 50 wt %) by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). By systematically varying RLP block length and temperature (10-45 °C), we observed microphase separation into hexagonally packed cylinders and lamellae. By analyzing the observed order-order transitions (OOT) and order-disorder transitions (ODT), we determined that self-assembly in this system is primarily driven by polymer-solvent interactions. While these thermally responsive polymers showed clear ODTs and OOTs at certain temperatures, temperature only had a weak effect on the spacing of the resulting nanostructures. In contrast, we found that nanostructure spacing was far more sensitive to RLP block length. Finally, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to demonstrate that spin casting RLP-b-ELP diblock copolypeptides also produce nanostructured thin films with spacings that correlate with those in concentrated solution.

Orbital Volumetric Analysis in Patients With Unicoronal Craniosynostosis: A Comparison Between Distraction Osteogenesis and Fronto-Orbital Advancement.

BACKGROUND: Unicoronal craniosynostosis is associated with orbital restriction and asymmetry. Surgical treatment aims to both correct the aesthetic deformity and prevent the development of ocular dysfunction. We used orbital quadrant and hemispheric volumetric analysis to assess orbital restriction and compare the effectiveness of distraction osteogenesis with anterior rotational cranial flap (DO) and bilateral fronto-orbital advancement and cranial vault remodeling (FOAR) with respect to the correction of orbital restriction in patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of unicoronal craniosynostosis and treated with either DO or FOAR from 2000 to 2019 was performed. Preoperative and postoperative total orbital volumes, as well as quadrant and hemispheric volume ratios, were calculated from 3-dimensional head computed tomography scans. Selected preoperative and postoperative orbital measurements, including the maxillary length of the orbit (MLO; zygomaticofrontal suture to the top of zygomatic arch) and the sphenoid length of the orbit (SLO; the top of sphenoid suture to the top of zygomatic arch), were also obtained. RESULTS: Data were available for 28 patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis. Mean preoperative total orbital volume was significantly smaller on the synostotic side compared with the nonsynostotic side (10.94 vs 12.20 cm3, P = 0.04). Preoperative MLO and SLO were significantly longer on the synostotic side compared with the nonsynostotic side (MLO: 20.26 vs 17.75 mm, P < 0.001; SLO: 26.91 vs 24.93 mm, P = 0.01). Distraction osteogenesis and FOAR produced significantly different changes in orbital quadrant and/or hemispheric volume ratios on the nonsynostotic side but not on the synostotic side. CONCLUSIONS: Before correction, patients with unicoronal craniosynostosis have significantly smaller total orbital volumes on the synostotic side compared with the nonsynostotic side and significantly greater MLO and SLO on the synostotic side compared with the nonsynostotic side. There is no significant difference between DO and FOAR with regard to correcting the observed orbital restriction in these patients.

A Posterior Rotational Flap Technique Using Distraction Osteogenesis for Unilateral Lambdoid Craniosynostosis.

INTRODUCTION: The craniofacial asymmetry seen in unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis may not be effectively treated by posterior cranial vault remodeling, endoscopic suturectomy, and helmet therapy, or suturectomy and distraction osteogenesis alone due to limitations in soft-tissue envelope expansion and relapse of the deformity. The authors report a series of unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis patients treated with a posterior rotational cranial-flap technique using internal distraction osteogenesis. METHODS: Posterior cranial vault reconstruction combined with internal distraction was used, aided by preoperative virtual surgical planning. An in situ posterior rotational flap osteotomy was utilized to maximize dural preservation. Primary outcome measures included age-adjusted volume change and age-adjusted percent volume change per mm distraction. Distraction characteristics and perioperative characteristics were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 5 patients were identified. Mean predistraction intracranial volume was 1087.5 cc (SD  = 202.3 cc) and mean postdistraction included intracranial volume was 1266.1cc (SD  = 131.8cc). Mean age-adjusted percent included intracranial volume change was 14.1% (SD  = 9.6%), and mean percent intracranial volume change per mm distraction was 0.43%/mm distraction (SD  = 0.37%/mm distraction). One patient developed a distractor site infection postoperatively that was treated successfully with oral antibiotics. All patients had a Whitaker score of 1 at one year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Posterior cranial vault remodeling using osteogenesis and a rotational cranial flap technique with dural preservation can be effectively used to maximize bone flap viability and limit postoperative relapse in patients with unilateral lambdoid craniosynostosis. Long term analysis as well as comparison to open techniques will need to be interrogated.

Bronchus compression relieved by patent ductus arteriosus stenting.

BACKGROUND: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) stenting is evolving as an alternative to surgical aorto-pulmonary shunts for infants with ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow. Given anatomical proximity, the PDA can compress the ipsilateral bronchus. We report a case series of four patients with bronchial compression by a tortuous PDA who underwent PDA stenting. METHODS: Our four patients received PDA stents for ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow despite preprocedure imaging evidence of bronchial compression. We reviewed the cross-sectional chest imaging to assess the degree of bronchial compression and the variables that affect it, namely PDA size, PDA tortuosity, and the anatomical relationship between the compressed bronchus and the PDA. RESULTS: Three out of the four patients had postprocedure imaging, and all showed relief of the previously seen bronchial compression. Post-PDA stenting patients had a smaller and straight PDA with significant lateralization away from the compressed bronchus. None of the four patients developed symptoms of bronchial compression poststenting. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that pre-existing bronchial compression does not preclude PDA stenting. Stent placement in an engorged and tortuous PDA led to significant improvement in pre-existing bronchial compression. Improvement may be attributed to PDA shrinkage, straightening, and lateralization. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Self-Assembly of a Midblock-Sulfonated Pentablock Copolymer in Mixed Organic Solvents: A Combined SAXS and SANS Analysis.

Ionic, and specifically sulfonated, block copolymers are continually gaining interest in the soft materials community due to their unique suitability in various ion-exchange applications such as fuel cells, organic photovoltaics, and desalination membranes. One unresolved challenge inherent to these materials is solvent templating, that is, the translation of self-assembled solution structures into nonequilibrium solid film morphologies. Recently, the use of mixed polar/nonpolar organic solvents has been examined in an effort to elucidate and control the solution self-assembly of sulfonated block copolymers. The current study sheds new light on micellar assemblies (i.e., those with the sulfonated blocks comprising the micellar core) of a midblock-sulfonated pentablock copolymer in polar/nonpolar solvent mixtures by combining small-angle X-ray and small-angle neutron scattering. Our scattering data reveal that micelle size depends strongly on overall solvent composition: micelle cores and coronae grow as the fraction of nonpolar solvent is increased. Universal model fits further indicate that an unexpectedly high fraction of the micelle cores is occupied by polar solvent (60-80 vol %) and that partitioning of the polar solvent into micelle cores becomes more pronounced as its overall quantity decreases. This solvent presence in the micelle cores explains the simultaneous core/corona growth, which is otherwise counterintuitive. Our findings provide a potential pathway for the formation of solvent-templated films with more interconnected morphologies due to the greatly solvated micellar cores in solution, thereby enhancing the molecular, ion, and electron-transport properties of the resultant films.

Alternative methods for virtual heart transplant-Size matching for pediatric heart transplantation with and without donor medical images available.

BACKGROUND: Listed pediatric heart transplant patients have the highest solid-organ waitlist mortality rate. The donor-recipient body weight (DRBW) ratio is the clinical standard for allograft size matching but may unnecessarily limit a patient's donor pool. To overcome DRBW ratio limitations, two methods of performing virtual heart transplant fit assessments were developed that account for patient-specific nuances. Method 1 uses an allograft total cardiac volume (TCV) prediction model informed by patient data wherein a matched allograft 3-D reconstruction is selected from a virtual library for assessment. Method 2 uses donor images for a direct virtual transplant assessment. METHODS: Assessments were performed in medical image reconstruction software. The allograft model was developed using allometric/isometric scaling assumptions and cross-validation. RESULTS: The final predictive model included gender, height, and weight. The 25th-, 50th-, and 75th-percentiles for TCV percentage errors were -13% (over-prediction), -1%, and 8% (under-prediction), respectively. Two examples illustrating the potential of virtual assessments are presented. CONCLUSION: Transplant centers can apply these methods to perform their virtual assessments using existing technology. These techniques have potential to improve organ allocation. With additional experience and refinement, virtual transplants may become standard of care for determining suitability of donor organ size for an identified recipient.

Three-dimensional printing: changing clinical care or just a passing fad?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advances in medical imaging and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction software have enabled a proliferation of 3D modeling and 3D printing for clinical applications. In particular, 3D printing has garnered an extraordinary media presence over the past few years. There is growing optimism that 3D printing can address patient specificity and complexity for improved interventional and surgical planning. Will this relatively untested technology bring about a paradigm shift in the clinical environment, or is it just a transient fad? RECENT FINDINGS: Case studies and series centered around 3D printing are omnipresent in clinical and engineering journals. These primarily qualitative studies support the potential efficacy of the emerging technology. Few studies analyze the value of 3D printing, weighing its potential benefits against increasing costs (e.g., institutional overhead, labor, and materials). SUMMARY: Clinical integration of 3D printing is growing rapidly, and its adoption into clinical practice presents unique workflow challenges. There are numerous clinical trials on the horizon that will finally help to elucidate the measured impact of 3D printing on clinical outcomes through quantitative analyses of clinical and economic metrics. The contrived integration of 3D printing into clinical practice seems all but certain as the value of this technology becomes more and more evident.

Bicomponent Block Copolymers Derived from One or More Random Copolymers as an Alternative Route to Controllable Phase Behavior.

Block copolymers have been extensively studied due to their ability to spontaneously self-organize into a wide variety of morphologies that are valuable in energy-, medical-, and conservation-related (nano)technologies. While the phase behavior of bicomponent diblock and triblock copolymers is conventionally governed by temperature and individual block masses, it is demonstrated here that their phase behavior can alternatively be controlled through the use of blocks with random monomer sequencing. Block random copolymers (BRCs), i.e., diblock copolymers wherein one or both blocks are a random copolymer comprised of A and B repeat units, have been synthesized, and their phase behavior, expressed in terms of the order-disorder transition (ODT), has been investigated. The results establish that, depending on the block composition contrast and molecular weight, BRCs can microphase-separate. We also report that large variation in incompatibility can be generated at relatively constant molecular weight and temperature with these new soft materials. This sequence-controlled synthetic strategy is extended to thermoplastic elastomeric triblock copolymers differing in chemistry and possessing a random-copolymer midblock.

Hemodynamic Characterization of Geometric Cerebral Aneurysm Templates Treated With Embolic Coils.

Embolic coiling is one of the most effective treatments for cerebral aneurysms (CAs), largely due to the hemodynamic modifications that the treatment effects in the aneurysmal environment. However, coiling can have very different hemodynamic outcomes in aneurysms with different geometries. Previous work in the field of biofluid mechanics has demonstrated on a general level that geometry is a driving factor behind aneurysmal hemodynamics. The goal of this study was to relate two specific geometric factors that describe CAs (i.e., dome size (DS) and parent-vessel contact-angle (PV-CA)) and one factor that describes treatment (i.e., coil packing density (PD)) to three clinically relevant hemodynamic responses (i.e., aneurysmal root-mean-square velocity (Vrms), aneurysmal wall shear stress (WSS), and cross-neck flow (CNF)). Idealized models of basilar tip aneurysms were created in both virtual and physical forms to satisfy two-level multifactorial experimental designs. Steady and pulsatile flow hemodynamics were then evaluated in the virtual models using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) (before and after virtual treatment with finite element (FE) embolic coil models), and hemodynamics were also evaluated in the physical models using particle image velocimetry (PIV) (before and after treatment with actual embolic coils). Results showed that among the factors considered, PD made the greatest contributions to effects on hemodynamic responses in and around the aneurysmal sac (i.e., Vrms and WSS), while DS made the greatest contributions to effects on hemodynamics at the neck (i.e., CNF). Results also showed that while a geometric factor (e.g., PV-CA) may play a relatively minor role in dictating hemodynamics in the untreated case, the same factor can play a much greater role after coiling. We consider the significance of these findings in the context of aneurysmal recurrence and rupture, and explore potential roles for the proposed methods in endovascular treatment planning.

Comparison among different high porosity stent configurations: hemodynamic effects of treatment in a large cerebral aneurysm.

Whether treated surgically or with endovascular techniques, large and giant cerebral aneurysms are particularly difficult to treat. Nevertheless, high porosity stents can be used to accomplish stent-assisted coiling and even standalone stent-based treatments that have been shown to improve the occlusion of such aneurysms. Further, stent assisted coiling can reduce the incidence of complications that sometimes result from embolic coiling (e.g., neck remnants and thromboembolism). However, in treating cerebral aneurysms at bifurcation termini, it remains unclear which configuration of high porosity stents will result in the most advantageous hemodynamic environment. The goal of this study was to compare how three different stent configurations affected fluid dynamics in a large patient-specific aneurysm model. Three common stent configurations were deployed into the model: a half-Y, a full-Y, and a crossbar configuration. Particle image velocimetry was used to examine post-treatment flow patterns and quantify root-mean-squared velocity magnitude (VRMS) within the aneurysmal sac. While each configuration did reduce VRMS within the aneurysm, the full-Y configuration resulted in the greatest reduction across all flow conditions (an average of 56% with respect to the untreated case). The experimental results agreed well with clinical follow up after treatment with the full-Y configuration; there was evidence of thrombosis within the sac from the stents alone before coil embolization was performed. A computational simulation of the full-Y configuration aligned well with the experimental and in vivo findings, indicating potential for clinically useful prediction of post-treatment hemodynamics. This study found that applying different stent configurations resulted in considerably different fluid dynamics in an anatomically accurate aneurysm model and that the full-Y configuration performed best. The study indicates that knowledge of how stent configurations will affect post-treatment hemodynamics could be important in interventional planning and demonstrates the capability for such planning based on novel computational tools.

Stenting of the Patent Ductus Arteriosus.

Since PDA stenting was first attempted in the early 1990s, significant technical advancements have improved outcomes and some centers have even transitioned to exclusive PDA stenting for all infants with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation. In addition to its use in infants with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation, PDA stenting has also been adapted as a percutaneous palliative option for suprasystemic pulmonary arterial hypertension and as a component of the hybrid procedure. In this article, the authors aim to review indications and outcomes for PDA stenting, describe the procedure, and discuss future directions.

Morphological and ultrastructural investigation of the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane: Comparing children with Chiari malformation type I and controls.

INTRODUCTION: The fibrous posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) at the craniocervical junction is typically removed during decompression surgery for Chiari malformation type I (CM-I); however, its importance and ultrastructural architecture have not been investigated in children. We hypothesized that there are structural differences in the PAOM of patients with CM-I and those without. METHODS: In this prospective study, blinded pathological analysis was performed on PAOM specimens from children who had surgery for CM-I and children who had surgery for posterior fossa tumors (controls). Clinical and radiographic data were collected. Statistical analysis included comparisons between the CM-I and control cohorts and correlations with imaging measures. RESULTS: A total of 35 children (mean age at surgery 10.7 years; 94.3% white) with viable specimens for evaluation were enrolled: 24 with CM-I and 11 controls. There were no statistical demographic differences between the two cohorts. Four children had a family history of CM-I and five had a syndromic condition. The cohorts had similar measurements of tonsillar descent, syringomyelia, basion to C2, and condylar-to-C2 vertical axis (all p>0.05). The clival-axial angle was lower in patients with CM-I (138.1 vs. 149.3 degrees, p = 0.016). Morphologically, the PAOM demonstrated statistically higher proportions of disorganized architecture in patients with CM-I (75.0% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.012). There were no differences in PAOM fat, elastin, or collagen percentages overall and no differences in imaging or ultrastructural findings between male and female patients. Posterior fossa volume was lower in children with CM-I (163,234 mm3 vs. 218,305 mm3, p<0.001), a difference that persisted after normalizing for patient height (129.9 vs. 160.9, p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with CM-I, the PAOM demonstrates disorganized architecture compared with that of control patients. This likely represents an anatomic adaptation in the presence of CM-I rather than a pathologic contribution.

Clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: pediatric congenital heart disease conditions.

BACKGROUND: The use of medical 3D printing (focusing on anatomical modeling) has continued to grow since the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) 3D Printing Special Interest Group (3DPSIG) released its initial guideline and appropriateness rating document in 2018. The 3DPSIG formed a focused writing group to provide updated appropriateness ratings for 3D printing anatomical models across a variety of congenital heart disease. Evidence-based- (where available) and expert-consensus-driven appropriateness ratings are provided for twenty-eight congenital heart lesion categories. METHODS: A structured literature search was conducted to identify all relevant articles using 3D printing technology associated with pediatric congenital heart disease indications. Each study was vetted by the authors and strength of evidence was assessed according to published appropriateness ratings. RESULTS: Evidence-based recommendations for when 3D printing is appropriate are provided for pediatric congenital heart lesions. Recommendations are provided in accordance with strength of evidence of publications corresponding to each cardiac clinical scenario combined with expert opinion from members of the 3DPSIG. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus appropriateness ratings document, created by the members of the RSNA 3DPSIG, provides a reference for clinical standards of 3D printing for pediatric congenital heart disease clinical scenarios.

Demographics, utilization, workflow and outcomes based on observational data from the RSNA-ACR 3D Printing Registry.

OBJECTIVE: To report data from the first three years of operation of the RSNA-ACR 3D Printing Registry. METHODS: Data from June 2020 to June 2023 was extracted, including demographics, indications, workflow and user assessments. Clinical indications were stratified by 12 organ systems. Imaging modalities, printing technologies and number of parts per case were assessed. Effort data was analyzed, dividing staff into provider and non-provider categories. The opinions of clinical users were evaluated through a Likert-scale questionnaire, and estimates of procedure time saved were collected. RESULTS: A total of 20 sites and 2,637 cases were included, consisting of 1,863 anatomic models and 774 anatomic guides. Mean patient age for models and guides was 42.4 ± 24.5 years and 56.3 ± 18.5 years respectively. Cardiac models were the most common type of models (27.2%), and neurologic guides were the most common type of guides (42.4%). Material jetting, vat photopolymerization and material extrusion were the most common printing technologies used overall (85.6% of all cases). On average, providers spent 92.4 minutes and non-providers spent 335.0 minutes per case. Providers spent most time on consultation (33.6 minutes), while non-providers focused most on segmentation (148.0 minutes). Confidence in treatment plans increased after using 3D printing (p<.001). Estimated procedure time savings for 155 cases was 40.5 ± 26.1 minutes. CONCLUSION: 3D printing is performed in healthcare facilities for many clinical indications. The registry provides insight into the technologies and workflows used to create anatomic models and guides, and the data shows clinical benefits from 3D printing.

Flow diverter effect on cerebral aneurysm hemodynamics: an in vitro comparison of telescoping stents and the Pipeline.

INTRODUCTION: Flow diverting devices and stents can be used to treat cerebral aneurysms too difficult to treat with coiling or craniotomy and clipping. However, the hemodynamic effects of these devices have not been studied in depth. The objective of this study was to quantify and understand the fluid dynamic changes that occur within bifurcating aneurysms when treated with different devices and configurations. METHODS: Two physical models of bifurcating cerebral aneurysms were constructed: an idealized model and a patient-specific model. The models were treated with four device configurations: a single low-porosity Pipeline embolization device (PED) and one, two, and three high-porosity Enterprise stents deployed in a telescoping fashion. Particle image velocimetry was used to measure the fluid dynamics within the aneurysms; pressure was measured within the patient-specific model. RESULTS: The PED resulted in the greatest reductions in fluid dynamic activity within the aneurysm for both models. However, a configuration of three telescoping stents reduced the fluid dynamic activity within the aneurysm similarly to the PED treatment. Pressure within the patient-specific aneurysm did not show significant changes among the treatment configurations; however, the pressure difference across the untreated vessel side of the model was greatest with the PED. CONCLUSION: Treatment with stents and a flow diverter led to reductions in aneurysmal fluid dynamic activity for both idealized and patient-specific models. While the PED resulted in the greatest flow reductions, telescoping high-porosity stents performed similarly and may represent a viable treatment alternative in situations where the use of a PED is not an option.

Surgical Mitral Valve Replacement Using a Catheter-Based MelodyTM Valve in a Landing Zone Constructed With a PTFE-Covered Expandable Cheatham-PlatinumTM Stent.

Mitral valve replacement using a Melody valve is a promising solution to the challenge of surgical mitral valve replacement in infants with a hypoplastic annulus. We report the creation of a landing zone in the mitral valve annulus using a Cheatham-Platinum (CP)-covered stent that facilitates Melody valve placement, helps prevent paravalvular leak, minimizes left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, and allows for potential future dilation of the valve.

Transcatheter Hepatic Conduit-Azygous Vein Connection Reduces Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations in a Cyanotic Fontan Patient.

The authors report a closed-chest, transcatheter large-vessel connection (hepatic conduit to azygous vein) to reverse pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in a 10-year-old patient after Fontan for heterotaxy/interrupted inferior vena cava, with an increase in oxygen saturation from 78% to 96%. Computational fluid dynamics estimated a 14-fold increase in hepatic blood flow to the left pulmonary artery (from 1.3% to 14%). (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 3D Printing Special Interest Group (SIG) clinical situations for which 3D printing is considered an appropriate representation or extension of data contained in a medical imaging examination: breast conditions.

The use of medical 3D printing has expanded dramatically for breast diseases. A writing group composed of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Special Interest Group on 3D Printing (SIG) provides updated appropriateness criteria for breast 3D printing in various clinical scenarios. Evidence-based appropriateness criteria are provided for the following clinical scenarios: benign breast lesions and high-risk breast lesions, breast cancer, breast reconstruction, and breast radiation (treatment planning and radiation delivery).