Noninvasive Targeting System with Three-Dimensionally Printed Customized Device in Stereotactic Brain Biopsy

- OBJECTIVE: Three-dimensional (3D) printed models are used in the medical field. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 3D-printed guide plate for use in brain biopsy. - METHODS: Twelve patients with intracranial lesions were retrospectively reviewed to determine clinical outcomes and technical procedural operability. These patients - nderwent brain biopsy assisted with the 3D-printed guide plate. Postoperative computed tomography was performed to assess the accuracy and associated complications of this guide plate. - RESULTS: All patients received definite diagnoses assisted by this guide plate. The deviations of the entry and target points were 3.93 + 0.96 mm and 2.59 + 0.11 mm, respectively. The angle drift of the puncture path was 5.12 degrees + 0.14 degrees , and the deviation of the puncture depth was 2.35 + 1.13 mm. The operation time ranged from 38.5 minutes with local anesthesia to 76.2 minutes with general anesthesia. No patient experienced complications. - CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-printed guide plate was noninvasive and had acceptable accuracy and the flexibility of frameless systems. The economic and operative benefits of this device supported its status as a powerful tool for brain biopsy in medical facilities in economically disadvantaged areas or institutions without navigation systems.