Development of a three-dimensional patient-specific brain model with a pineal region tumour and hydrocephalus for neuroendoscopic simulation and training

Patient-specific modeling (PSM) is a growing field of research into computational models specific to patient data. It aims to develop both virtual computer models and, more recently, physical 3D models of patient tissue and organ dynamics for a variety of medical training and practice purposes. It has shown promising results in a number of areas such as the brain, blood vessels and other internal organs (for example the liver and kidneys). The aim of PSM is to improve diagnoses and clinical outcomes for the patient population. In the past, PSM projects have seen the brain modelled for areas of research and clinical practice such as deep brain stimulation, but to date a working 3D physical model of a paediatric brain with a pineal region tumour has not been constructed. While previous neuromodulation and deep brain stimulation models have focused on virtual models, PSM has commenced a movement towards a physical 3D model that can be used in an array of medical fields, whether training, neuroendoscopic preparation or actual surgical practice. We attempted to construct that model using conjoint CT and MRI images from a four-month-old male patient. We were able to successfully create a realistic 3D model of a pineal gland tumour in a four-month-old male patient, which was successfully used on a trial basis in neuroendoscopic training and simulation.