Aneurysm rupture: supporting patients with 3D printing

Caen Normandie University Hospital is committed to developing and promoting paramedical research.

In a constant effort to offer the best possible care, paramedical teams create and develop innovative tools to serve patients. This is the case of Sarah Hemery and Camille Linski, medical electro-radiology technicians ( MERM ) who are at the origin of the creation of an educational 3D tool intended for patients suffering from a cerebral aneurysm.

Two medical electro-radiology technicians invest in research

In neuroradiology , the MERM is one of the first contacts with the patient suffering from a cerebral aneurysm after the doctors. His particular mission is to support him as best as possible by providing him with explanations again on the conduct of the examinations before entering the operating room.

During this consultation, the presentation of advanced diagnoses and risky treatments can cause anxiety and anxiety for the patient. In this context, Sarah and Camille imagined a 3D printing device “Anxiflow”, allowing them to clearly and graphically explain the entire procedure to the patient to calm their apprehensions.

Anxiflow is the first MERM financed at the University Hospital by GIRCI * North-West as part of the 2023 call for paramedical projects.

Improving practices to advance the quality of care

Modeling of the vessels using a 3D printer, a life-size silicone model called a “flow model”, will allow the visualization of aneurysmal pathology in a simplified, concrete and educational way. The “flow model” will represent the femoral arteries where the cerebral aneurysm that must be treated is punctured, the treatment can thus be simulated.

The project will begin in September 2024 with the creation of two groups: one receiving traditional explanations concerning the operation and the second receiving illustrated explanations using the “flow model” so that the patient can observe the intervention and the understand with knowledge.

Objective: compare the two groups to find out to what extent the use of this innovative support reduces patient anxiety and contributes to advancing the quality of care and patient management.

The “flow model” was produced with the help of Doctor Emmanuel Micault , ENT , passionate about surgical 3D printing, within the research platform of Caen Normandy University Hospital where a space dedicated to 3D printing is currently in development and Dr. Charlotte Barbier, neuroradiologist in interventional imaging .

* Interregional Group for Clinical Research and Innovation