Description
This 3D print presents the same dataset that underlies our Circle of Willis and cranial arterial circulation 3D prints and is derived from careful segmentation of angiographic data. Here, the dural venous sinus network has been segmented based on structures visible from the circulation of contrast medium in the late phase of filling. As a result, while most of the sinuses are present, the lack of contrast in the anterior portions of the venous system means that some structures are not as clear in the model as may be expected, for example the cavernous sinus and inferior petrosal sinus.
The extensive network of dural veins and venous lacunae are visible, which drain towards the midline in the superior sagittal sinus. Deep to this network of sinus veins are the great cerebral vein which drains with the inferior sagittal sinus into the straight sinus which then converges with the superior sagittal at the confluence of sinuses. Several dural veins drain into the left and right transverse sinuses as they pass anteriorly towards the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The sigmoid sinuses can be seen in the posterior cranial fossa prior to exiting the skull at the jugular foramen and forming the internal jugular vein (visible on the inferior surface of the skull).
Advantages
- Anatomically accurate and identical to real specimen
- No ethical issues - not real human body parts
- Reasonably priced
- Available within a short lead time
- Reproducible, several identical prints can be used as a classroom set
- Can be produced in different sizes to cater for the needs of the teacher
Human Cadavers
- Access to cadavers can be problematic. Many countries cannot access cadavers for cultural and religious reasons
- Cadavers cost a lot money
- High cost for establishing your own plastination suite
- Wet specimens cannot be used in uncertified labs
- Dissection of cadavers is a lot of staff time and that is a cost
- Storage of cadaver material needs special refrigeration etc. which has coast
- If you want another specimen you have to start all over again
Plastinates
- Costs
- Ethical issues
- Timeframe for plastination process
- Many countries do not allow their importation
- One of a kind
Superior 3D print results compared with conventional methods
- Vibrant color offering with 10 million colors
- UV-curable inkjet printing
- High quality 3D printing that can create products that are delicate, extremely precise and incredibly realistic
Clear Support Material
- To avoid breakage of fragile, thin, and delicate arteries, veins or vessels, a clear support material is printed on such spots. This makes the models robust and can be handled by students easily.
