PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Fernandez-Tena, Ana
AU  - Fernandez-Francos, Joaquin
AU  - Agujetas-Ortiz, Rafael
AU  - Casan-Clara, Pere
TI  - Airway model reconstructed from CT images
AID  - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2016.PA4404
DP  - 2016 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - PA4404
VI  - 48
IP  - suppl 60
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA4404.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/PA4404.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2016 Sep 01; 48
AB  - Objective: reconstruct the airway of a patient from CT images to make a 3D-prototypeMethod: a software package (3D Slicer, www.slicer.org) for medical image analysis was used. CT images were imported (DICOM format, Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) and segmented identifying the structures that belongs to each pixel. DICOM images consist of information in a grey scale value which is associated with a pixel of the image. There is a direct relationship between the density of each structure and the grey value assigned to the pixels. By grouping pixels with similar shades, the image data can be segmented into anatomical structures. The trachea is located in the coronal cut and then bronchi are segmented (Fig1a). A mask was created with a pixel density that differed bronchi from the rest of tissue. Next, the airway was emptied (Fig1b). Then, the graphical model was exported to a 3D-printer, where an exact replica of the airway was made.Results: A lung model in polylactic acid from trachea to subsegmental bronchi was obtained (Fig1C). It can be used for fluid dynamic studies or particle deposition tests. Tracheal endoprosthesis can be developed using biocompatible materials. Also it can be used as educational material.Conclusions: Airway models of patients can be developed using a software for CT image processing. This model can be 3D-printed for multiple purposes: educational materials, studies of drug deposition, development of tracheal endoprosthesis...