Biomimetic tissue phantoms for neurosurgical near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

SIGNIFICANCE: Neurosurgical fluorescence imaging is a well-established clinical approach with a growing range of indications for use. However, this technology lacks effective phantom-based tools for development, performance testing, and clinician training.

AIM: Our primary aim was to develop and evaluate 3D-printed phantoms capable of optically and morphologically simulating neurovasculature under fluorescence angiography.

APPROACH: Volumetric digital maps of the circle of Willis with basilar and posterior communicator artery aneurysms, along with surrounding cerebral tissue, were generated. Phantoms were fabricated with a stereolithography printer using custom photopolymer composites, then visualized under white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging.

RESULTS

Feature sizes of printed components were found to be within 13% of digital models. Phantoms exhibited realistic optical properties and convincingly recapitulated fluorescence angiography scenes.

CONCLUSIONS

Methods identified in this study can facilitate the development of realistic phantoms as powerful new tools for fluorescence imaging.