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SUN ZH. Cardiovascular computed tomography in cardiovascular disease: An overview of its applications from diagnosis to prediction. J Geriatr Cardiol 2024; 21:550-576. [PMID: 38948894 PMCID: PMC11211902 DOI: 10.26599/1671-5411.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a widely used imaging modality in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Advancements in CT imaging technology have further advanced its applications from high diagnostic value to minimising radiation exposure to patients. In addition to the standard application of assessing vascular lumen changes, CTA-derived applications including 3D printed personalised models, 3D visualisations such as virtual endoscopy, virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality, as well as CT-derived hemodynamic flow analysis and fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) greatly enhance the diagnostic performance of CTA in cardiovascular disease. The widespread application of artificial intelligence in medicine also significantly contributes to the clinical value of CTA in cardiovascular disease. Clinical value of CTA has extended from the initial diagnosis to identification of vulnerable lesions, and prediction of disease extent, hence improving patient care and management. In this review article, as an active researcher in cardiovascular imaging for more than 20 years, I will provide an overview of cardiovascular CTA in cardiovascular disease. It is expected that this review will provide readers with an update of CTA applications, from the initial lumen assessment to recent developments utilising latest novel imaging and visualisation technologies. It will serve as a useful resource for researchers and clinicians to judiciously use the cardiovascular CT in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hua SUN
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth 6012, Australia
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Sun Z, Silberstein J, Vaccarezza M. Cardiovascular Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease: Beyond Lumen Assessment. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2024; 11:22. [PMID: 38248892 PMCID: PMC10816599 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular CT is being widely used in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease due to the rapid technological advancements in CT scanning techniques. These advancements include the development of multi-slice CT, from early generation to the latest models, which has the capability of acquiring images with high spatial and temporal resolution. The recent emergence of photon-counting CT has further enhanced CT performance in clinical applications, providing improved spatial and contrast resolution. CT-derived fractional flow reserve is superior to standard CT-based anatomical assessment for the detection of lesion-specific myocardial ischemia. CT-derived 3D-printed patient-specific models are also superior to standard CT, offering advantages in terms of educational value, surgical planning, and the simulation of cardiovascular disease treatment, as well as enhancing doctor-patient communication. Three-dimensional visualization tools including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality are further advancing the clinical value of cardiovascular CT in cardiovascular disease. With the widespread use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning in cardiovascular disease, the diagnostic performance of cardiovascular CT has significantly improved, with promising results being presented in terms of both disease diagnosis and prediction. This review article provides an overview of the applications of cardiovascular CT, covering its performance from the perspective of its diagnostic value based on traditional lumen assessment to the identification of vulnerable lesions for the prediction of disease outcomes with the use of these advanced technologies. The limitations and future prospects of these technologies are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (J.S.); (M.V.)
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jenna Silberstein
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (J.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Mauro Vaccarezza
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia; (J.S.); (M.V.)
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
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Chwał J, Kostka P, Tkacz E. Assessment of the Extent of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using 3D Modeling Technology. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2441. [PMID: 37685475 PMCID: PMC10487057 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The second most common cause of stroke, accounting for 10% of hospital admissions, is intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and risk factors include diabetes, smoking, and hypertension. People with intracerebral bleeding experience symptoms that are related to the functions that are managed by the affected part of the brain. Having obtained 15 computed tomography (CT) scans from five patients with ICH, we decided to use three-dimensional (3D) modeling technology to estimate the bleeding volume. CT was performed on admission to hospital, and after one week and two weeks of treatment. We segmented the brain, ventricles, and hemorrhage using semi-automatic algorithms in Slicer 3D, then improved the obtained models in Blender. Moreover, the accuracy of the models was checked by comparing corresponding CT scans with 3D brain model cross-sections. The goal of the research was to examine the possibility of using 3D modeling technology to visualize intracerebral hemorrhage and assess its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Chwał
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; (P.K.); (E.T.)
- Joint Doctoral School, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
| | - Paweł Kostka
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; (P.K.); (E.T.)
| | - Ewaryst Tkacz
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; (P.K.); (E.T.)
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Sun Z, Zhao J, Leung E, Flandes-Iparraguirre M, Vernon M, Silberstein J, De-Juan-Pardo EM, Jansen S. Three-Dimensional Bioprinting in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1180. [PMID: 37627245 PMCID: PMC10452258 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing plays an important role in cardiovascular disease through the use of personalised models that replicate the normal anatomy and its pathology with high accuracy and reliability. While 3D printed heart and vascular models have been shown to improve medical education, preoperative planning and simulation of cardiac procedures, as well as to enhance communication with patients, 3D bioprinting represents a potential advancement of 3D printing technology by allowing the printing of cellular or biological components, functional tissues and organs that can be used in a variety of applications in cardiovascular disease. Recent advances in bioprinting technology have shown the ability to support vascularisation of large-scale constructs with enhanced biocompatibility and structural stability, thus creating opportunities to replace damaged tissues or organs. In this review, we provide an overview of the use of 3D bioprinting in cardiovascular disease with a focus on technologies and applications in cardiac tissues, vascular constructs and grafts, heart valves and myocardium. Limitations and future research directions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Jack Zhao
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (J.Z.); (E.L.)
| | - Emily Leung
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (J.Z.); (E.L.)
| | - Maria Flandes-Iparraguirre
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Cima Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (M.V.); (E.M.D.-J.-P.)
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Michael Vernon
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (M.V.); (E.M.D.-J.-P.)
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Vascular Engineering Laboratory, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jenna Silberstein
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
| | - Elena M. De-Juan-Pardo
- T3mPLATE, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and UWA Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia; (M.V.); (E.M.D.-J.-P.)
- School of Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
| | - Shirley Jansen
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia;
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Heart and Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Medical Research Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Sun Z, Wee C. 3D Printed Models in Cardiovascular Disease: An Exciting Future to Deliver Personalized Medicine. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:1575. [PMID: 36295929 PMCID: PMC9610217 DOI: 10.3390/mi13101575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
3D printing has shown great promise in medical applications with increased reports in the literature. Patient-specific 3D printed heart and vascular models replicate normal anatomy and pathology with high accuracy and demonstrate superior advantages over the standard image visualizations for improving understanding of complex cardiovascular structures, providing guidance for surgical planning and simulation of interventional procedures, as well as enhancing doctor-to-patient communication. 3D printed models can also be used to optimize CT scanning protocols for radiation dose reduction. This review article provides an overview of the current status of using 3D printing technology in cardiovascular disease. Limitations and barriers to applying 3D printing in clinical practice are emphasized while future directions are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
| | - Cleo Wee
- Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
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Ng CKC. Artificial Intelligence for Radiation Dose Optimization in Pediatric Radiology: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9071044. [PMID: 35884028 PMCID: PMC9320231 DOI: 10.3390/children9071044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Radiation dose optimization is particularly important in pediatric radiology, as children are more susceptible to potential harmful effects of ionizing radiation. However, only one narrative review about artificial intelligence (AI) for dose optimization in pediatric computed tomography (CT) has been published yet. The purpose of this systematic review is to answer the question “What are the AI techniques and architectures introduced in pediatric radiology for dose optimization, their specific application areas, and performances?” Literature search with use of electronic databases was conducted on 3 June 2022. Sixteen articles that met selection criteria were included. The included studies showed deep convolutional neural network (CNN) was the most common AI technique and architecture used for dose optimization in pediatric radiology. All but three included studies evaluated AI performance in dose optimization of abdomen, chest, head, neck, and pelvis CT; CT angiography; and dual-energy CT through deep learning image reconstruction. Most studies demonstrated that AI could reduce radiation dose by 36–70% without losing diagnostic information. Despite the dominance of commercially available AI models based on deep CNN with promising outcomes, homegrown models could provide comparable performances. Future exploration of AI value for dose optimization in pediatric radiology is necessary due to small sample sizes and narrow scopes (only three modalities, CT, positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging and mobile radiography, and not all examination types covered) of existing studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curtise K. C. Ng
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; or ; Tel.: +61-8-9266-7314; Fax: +61-8-9266-2377
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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Cappello IA, Candelari M, Pannone L, Monaco C, Bori E, Talevi G, Ramak R, La Meir M, Gharaviri A, Chierchia GB, Innocenti B, de Asmundis C. 3D Printed Surgical Guide for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Workflow from Computed Tomography to Prototype. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9050179. [PMID: 35621457 PMCID: PMC9137687 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9050179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) printed models have been increasingly used in many medical fields, including cardiac surgery for which they are used as planning and communication tools. To locate and plan the correct region of interest for the bypass placement during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, cardiac surgeons can pre-operatively rely on different medical images. This article aims to present a workflow for the production of a patient-specific 3D-printed surgical guide, from data acquisition and image segmentation to final prototyping. The aim of this surgical guide is to help visualize the region of interest for bypass placement during the operation, through the use of dedicated surgical holes. The results showed the feasibility of this surgical guide in terms of design and fitting to the phantom. Further studies are needed to assess material biocompatibility and technical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Anna Cappello
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Mara Candelari
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Luigi Pannone
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Cinzia Monaco
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Edoardo Bori
- BEAMS Department, Bio Electro and Mechanical Systems, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (E.B.); (B.I.)
| | - Giacomo Talevi
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Robbert Ramak
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Mark La Meir
- Cardiac Surgery Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel—Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Ali Gharaviri
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Gian Battista Chierchia
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
| | - Bernardo Innocenti
- BEAMS Department, Bio Electro and Mechanical Systems, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (E.B.); (B.I.)
| | - Carlo de Asmundis
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (I.A.C.); (M.C.); (L.P.); (C.M.); (G.T.); (R.R.); (A.G.); (G.B.C.)
- Correspondence: or
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Artificial Intelligence (Enhanced Super-Resolution Generative Adversarial Network) for Calcium Deblooming in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography: A Feasibility Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12040991. [PMID: 35454039 PMCID: PMC9027004 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12040991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The presence of heavy calcification in the coronary artery always presents a challenge for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in assessing the degree of coronary stenosis due to blooming artifacts associated with calcified plaques. Our study purpose was to use an advanced artificial intelligence (enhanced super-resolution generative adversarial network [ESRGAN]) model to suppress the blooming artifact in CCTA and determine its effect on improving the diagnostic performance of CCTA in calcified plaques. Methods: A total of 184 calcified plaques from 50 patients who underwent both CCTA and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were analysed with measurements of coronary lumen on the original CCTA, and three sets of ESRGAN-processed images including ESRGAN-high-resolution (ESRGAN-HR), ESRGAN-average and ESRGAN-median with ICA as the reference method for determining sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Results: ESRGAN-processed images improved the specificity and PPV at all three coronary arteries (LAD-left anterior descending, LCx-left circumflex and RCA-right coronary artery) compared to original CCTA with ESRGAN-median resulting in the highest values being 41.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30%, 52.7%) and 26.9% (95% CI: 22.9%, 31.4%) at LAD; 41.7% (95% CI: 22.1%, 63.4%) and 36.4% (95% CI: 28.9%, 44.5%) at LCx; 55% (95% CI: 38.5%, 70.7%) and 47.1% (95% CI: 38.7%, 55.6%) at RCA; while corresponding values for original CCTA were 21.8% (95% CI: 13.2%, 32.6%) and 22.8% (95% CI: 20.8%, 24.9%); 12.5% (95% CI: 2.6%, 32.4%) and 27.6% (95% CI: 24.7%, 30.7%); 17.5% (95% CI: 7.3%, 32.8%) and 32.7% (95% CI: 29.6%, 35.9%) at LAD, LCx and RCA, respectively. There was no significant effect on sensitivity and NPV between the original CCTA and ESRGAN-processed images at all three coronary arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was the highest with ESRGAN-median images at the RCA level with values being 0.76 (95% CI: 0.64, 0.89), 0.81 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.93), 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.94) and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.96) corresponding to original CCTA and ESRGAN-HR, average and median images, respectively. Conclusions: This feasibility study shows the potential value of ESRGAN-processed images in improving the diagnostic value of CCTA for patients with calcified plaques.
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Sun Z, Ng CKC, Wong YH, Yeong CH. 3D-Printed Coronary Plaques to Simulate High Calcification in the Coronary Arteries for Investigation of Blooming Artifacts. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091307. [PMID: 34572520 PMCID: PMC8468360 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The diagnostic value of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is significantly affected by high calcification in the coronary arteries owing to blooming artifacts limiting its accuracy in assessing the calcified plaques. This study aimed to simulate highly calcified plaques in 3D-printed coronary models. A combination of silicone + 32.8% calcium carbonate was found to produce 800 HU, representing extensive calcification. Six patient-specific coronary artery models were printed using the photosensitive polyurethane resin and a total of 22 calcified plaques with diameters ranging from 1 to 4 mm were inserted into different segments of these 3D-printed coronary models. The coronary models were scanned on a 192-slice CT scanner with 70 kV, pitch of 1.4, and slice thickness of 1 mm. Plaque attenuation was measured between 1100 and 1400 HU. Both maximum-intensity projection (MIP) and volume rendering (VR) images (wide and narrow window widths) were generated for measuring the diameters of these calcified plaques. An overestimation of plaque diameters was noticed on both MIP and VR images, with measurements on the MIP images close to those of the actual plaque sizes (<10% deviation), and a large measurement discrepancy observed on the VR images (up to 50% overestimation). This study proves the feasibility of simulating extensive calcification in coronary arteries using a 3D printing technique to develop calcified plaques and generate 3D-printed coronary models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-9266-7509; Fax: +61-8-9266-2377
| | - Curtise Kin Cheung Ng
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia;
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Yin How Wong
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, No. 1, Jalan Taylor’s, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (Y.H.W.); (C.H.Y.)
| | - Chai Hong Yeong
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Taylor’s University, No. 1, Jalan Taylor’s, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (Y.H.W.); (C.H.Y.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Australia
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Wu CA, Squelch A, Sun Z. Investigation of Three-dimensional Printing Materials for Printing Aorta Model Replicating Type B Aortic Dissection. Curr Med Imaging 2021; 17:843-849. [PMID: 33602103 DOI: 10.2174/1573405617666210218102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to determine a printing material that has both elastic property and radiology equivalence close to the real aorta for simulation of endovascular stent-graft repair of aortic dissection. BACKGROUND With the rapid development of Three-Dimensional (3D) printing technology, a patient- specific 3D printed model is able to help surgeons to make a better treatment plan for Type B aortic dissection patients. However, the radiological properties of most 3D printing materials have not been well characterized. This study aims to investigate the appropriate materials for printing human aorta with mechanical and radiological properties similar to the real aortic Computed Tomography (CT) attenuation. OBJECTIVE Quantitative assessment of CT attenuation of different materials used in 3D printed models of aortic dissection for developing patient-specific 3D printed aorta models to simulate type B aortic dissection. METHODS A 25-mm length of aorta model was segmented from a patient's image dataset with a diagnosis of type B aortic dissection. Four different elastic commercial 3D printing materials, namely Agilus A40 and A50, Visijet CE-NT A30 and A70 were selected and printed with different hardness. Totally four models were printed out and CT scanned twice on a 192-slice CT scanner using the standard aortic CT angiography protocol, with and without contrast inside the lumen. Five reference points with the Region Of Interest (ROI) of 1.77 mm2 were selected at the aortic wall, and intimal flap and their Hounsfield units (HU) were measured and compared with the CT attenuation of original CT images. The comparison between the patient's aorta and models was performed through a paired-sample t-test to determine if there is any significant difference. RESULTS The mean CT attenuation of the aortic wall of the original CT images was 80.7 HU. Analysis of images without using contrast medium showed that the material of Agilus A50 produced the mean CT attenuation of 82.6 HU, which is similar to that of original CT images. The CT attenuation measured at images acquired with the other three materials was significantly lower than that of the original images (p<0.05). After adding contrast medium, Visijet CE-NT A30 had an average CT attenuation of 90.6 HU, which is close to that of the original images without a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). In contrast, the CT attenuation measured at images acquired with other three materials (Agilus A40, A50 and Visiject CE-NT A70) was 129 HU, 135 HU and 129.6 HU, respectively, which is significantly higher than that of original CT images (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Both Visijet CE-NT and Agilus have tensile strength and elongation close to actual patient's tissue properties producing similar CT attenuation. Visijet CE-NT A30 is considered the appropriate material for printing aorta to simulate contrast-enhanced CT imaging of type B aortic dissection. Due to the lack of body phantoms in the experiments, further research with the simulation of realistic anatomical body environment should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-An Wu
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, 6845, Australia
| | - Andrew Squelch
- Discipline of Exploration Geophysics, WA School of Mines: Mineral, Energy and Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, 6845, Australia
| | - Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Science, Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, 6845, Australia
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Wu S, Meng X, Jiang X, Wu Y, Zhai S, Wang X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Zhao X, Zhou Y, Bu W, Yao Z. Harnessing X-Ray Energy-Dependent Attenuation of Bismuth-Based Nanoprobes for Accurate Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2002548. [PMID: 34105274 PMCID: PMC8188217 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Timely detection of liver fibrosis by X-ray computed tomography (CT) can prevent its progression to fatal liver diseases. However, it remains quite challenging because conventional CT can only identify the difference in density instead of X-ray attenuation characteristics. Spectral CT can generate monochromatic imaging to specify X-ray attenuation characteristics of the scanned matter. Herein, an X-ray energy-dependent attenuation strategy originated from bismuth (Bi)-based nanoprobes (BiF3 @PDA@HA) is proposed for the accurate diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Bi element in BiF3 @PDA@HA can exhibit characteristic attenuation depending on different levels of X-ray energy via spectral CT, and that is challenging for conventional CT. In this study, selectively accumulating BiF3 @PDA@HA nanoprobes in the hepatic fibrosis areas can significantly elevate CT value for 40 Hounsfield units on 70 keV monochromatic images, successfully differentiating from healthy livers and achieving the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the enhancement produced by the BiF3 @PDA@HA nanoprobes in vivo increases as the monochromatic energy decreases from 70 to 40 keV, optimizing the conspicuity of the diseased areas. As a proof of concept, the strategically designed nanoprobes with energy-dependent attenuation characteristics not only expand the scope of CT application, but also hold excellent potential for precise imaging-based disease diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiman Wu
- Department of RadiologyHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Xianfu Meng
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
- Tongji University Cancer CenterShanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Xingwu Jiang
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Yelin Wu
- Tongji University Cancer CenterShanghai Tenth People's HospitalTongji University School of MedicineShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Shaojie Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050P. R. China
| | - Xiaoshuang Wang
- Department of RadiologyHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
| | - Jiawen Zhang
- Department of RadiologyHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
| | - Xinxin Zhao
- Department of RadiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of RadiologyRenji HospitalSchool of MedicineShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200127P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- Department of Materials ScienceFudan UniversityShanghai200433P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200050P. R. China
| | - Zhenwei Yao
- Department of RadiologyHuashan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200040P. R. China
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13
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Jang SH, Lee J, Lee O. Micro- and nano-tomography analysis of mouse soleus muscle using radiation. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 84:2685-2693. [PMID: 34021519 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we analyze radiation images of muscle structure of mice soleus muscles using radiation source-based microtomography and nanotomography. Soleus muscle samples were collected for analysis from 8-week-old male Institute of Cancer Research mice. First, phase-contrast X-ray microtomography was employed in these experiments. Then to obtain images with excellent contrast, imaging was performed using monochromatic light with excellent transmission power. To analyze additional muscle structures in higher magnification images than these images, nanotomography was performed, which facilitated obtaining high-magnification and high-resolution images. Muscle tissue microstructures were confirmed through three-dimensional images obtained from phase-contrast X-ray microtomography. Thus, the muscle tissue's overall shape at microscopic level can be captured. Additionally, a single muscle fiber was examined using hard X-ray nano-imaging, through which we could observe the alignment of countless myofibrils, that is, actin and myosin filaments in the muscle fibers. Thus, the methodology adopted here proved to be advantageous in analyzing the muscle tissue's overall structure with microtomography and in observing the myofibrils in detail using nanotomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hun Jang
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health and Life Science, Korea National University of Transportation, Jeungpyeong-eup, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Lee
- Department of Software Convergence, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan City, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Onseok Lee
- Department of Software Convergence, Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan City, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.,Department of Medical IT Engineering, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan City, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
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14
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Liu H, Wingert A, Wang J, Zhang J, Wang X, Sun J, Chen F, Khalid SG, Jiang J, Zheng D. Extraction of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques From Computed Tomography Imaging: A Review of Recent Methods. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:597568. [PMID: 33644127 PMCID: PMC7903898 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.597568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Atherosclerotic plaques are the major cause of coronary artery disease (CAD). Currently, computed tomography (CT) is the most commonly applied imaging technique in the diagnosis of CAD. However, the accurate extraction of coronary plaque geometry from CT images is still challenging. Summary of Review: In this review, we focused on the methods in recent studies on the CT-based coronary plaque extraction. According to the dimension of plaque extraction method, the studies were categorized into two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) ones. In each category, the studies were analyzed in terms of data, methods, and evaluation. We summarized the merits and limitations of current methods, as well as the future directions for efficient and accurate extraction of coronary plaques using CT imaging. Conclusion: The methodological innovations are important for more accurate CT-based assessment of coronary plaques in clinical applications. The large-scale studies, de-blooming algorithms, more standardized datasets, and more detailed classification of non-calcified plaques could improve the accuracy of coronary plaque extraction from CT images. More multidimensional geometric parameters can be derived from the 3D geometry of coronary plaques. Additionally, machine learning and automatic 3D reconstruction could improve the efficiency of coronary plaque extraction in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Liu
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Wingert
- Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
| | - Jian'an Wang
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jucheng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Engineering, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Syed Ghufran Khalid
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dingchang Zheng
- Research Centre for Intelligent Healthcare, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Clinical Applications of Patient-Specific 3D Printed Models in Cardiovascular Disease: Current Status and Future Directions. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111577. [PMID: 33233652 PMCID: PMC7699768 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been increasingly used in medicine with applications in many different fields ranging from orthopaedics and tumours to cardiovascular disease. Realistic 3D models can be printed with different materials to replicate anatomical structures and pathologies with high accuracy. 3D printed models generated from medical imaging data acquired with computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasound augment the understanding of complex anatomy and pathology, assist preoperative planning and simulate surgical or interventional procedures to achieve precision medicine for improvement of treatment outcomes, train young or junior doctors to gain their confidence in patient management and provide medical education to medical students or healthcare professionals as an effective training tool. This article provides an overview of patient-specific 3D printed models with a focus on the applications in cardiovascular disease including: 3D printed models in congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, and aortic valvular disease. Clinical value of the patient-specific 3D printed models in these areas is presented based on the current literature, while limitations and future research in 3D printing including bioprinting of cardiovascular disease are highlighted.
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Sun Z. 3D Printed Coronary Models Offer Potential Value in Visualising Coronary Anatomy and Coronary Stents for Investigation of Coronary CT Protocols. Curr Med Imaging 2020; 16:625-628. [PMID: 32723233 DOI: 10.2174/157340561606200523215058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences Curtin University Perth, Australia
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17
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Sun Z. Use of Three-dimensional Printing in the Development of Optimal Cardiac CT Scanning Protocols. Curr Med Imaging 2020; 16:967-977. [PMID: 32107994 DOI: 10.2174/1573405616666200124124140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in medical applications with most of the studies focusing on its applications in medical education and training, pre-surgical planning and simulation, and doctor-patient communication. An emerging area of utilising 3D printed models lies in the development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocols for visualisation and detection of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, 3D printed heart and cardiovascular models have shown potential value in the evaluation of coronary plaques and coronary stents, aortic diseases and detection of pulmonary embolism. This review article provides an overview of the clinical value of 3D printed models in these areas with regard to the development of optimal CT scanning protocols for both diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular disease and reduction of radiation dose. The expected outcomes are to encourage further research towards this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Background 3D printing has shown great promise in cardiovascular disease, with reports mainly focusing on pre-surgical planning and medical education. Research on utilization of 3D printed models in simulating coronary stenting has not been reported. In this study, we presented our experience of placing coronary stents into personalized 3D printed coronary models with the aim of determining stent lumen visibility with images reconstructed with different postprocessing views and algorithms. Methods A total of six coronary stents with diameter ranging from 2.5 to 4.0 mm were placed into 3 patient-specific 3D printed coronary models for simulation of coronary stenting. The 3D printed models were placed in a plastic container and scanned on a 192-slice third generation dual-source CT scanner with images reconstructed with soft (Bv36) and sharp (Bv59) kernel algorithms. Thick and thin slab maximum-intensity projection (MIP) images were also generated from the original CT data for comparison of stent lumen visibility. Stent lumen diameter was measured on 2D axial and MIP images, while stent diameter was measured on 3D volume rendering images. 3D virtual intravascular endoscopy (VIE) images were generated to provide intraluminal views of the coronary wall and stent appearances. Results All of these stents were successfully placed into the right and left coronary arteries but 2 of them did not obtain wall apposition along the complete length. The stent lumen visibility ranged from 54 to 97%, depending on the stent location in the coronary arteries. The mean stent lumen diameters measured on 2D axial, thin and thick slab MIP images were found to be significantly smaller than the actual size (P<0.01). Thick slab MIP images resulted in measured stent lumen diameters smaller than those from thin slab MIP images, with significant differences noticed in most of the measurements (4 out of 6 stents) (P<0.05), and no significant differences in the remaining 2 stents (P=0.19-0.38). In contrast, 3D volume rendering images allowed for more accurate measurements with measured stent diameters close to the actual dimensions in most of these coronary stents, except for the stent placed at the right coronary artery in one of the models due to insufficient expansion of the stent. Images reconstructed with sharp kernel Bv59 significantly improved stent lumen visibility when compared to the smooth Bv36 kernel (P=0.01). 3D VIE was successfully generated in all of the datasets with clear visualization of intraluminal views of the stents in relation to the coronary wall. Conclusions This preliminary report shows the feasibility of using 3D printed coronary artery models in coronary stenting for investigation of optimal coronary CT angiography protocols. Future studies should focus on placement of more stents with a range of stent diameters in the quest to reduce the need for invasive angiography for surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - Shirley Jansen
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia 6845, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.,Heart and Vascular Research Institute, Harry Perkins Institute for Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
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19
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Sun Z. 3D printed coronary models offer new opportunities for developing optimal coronary CT angiography protocols in imaging coronary stents. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2019; 9:1350-1355. [PMID: 31559164 DOI: 10.21037/qims.2019.06.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sun
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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