1
Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of
Anatomy, TR-06070 Ankara – TÜRKİYE; 2 Ankara University,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biostatistics,
TR-06070 Ankara – TÜRKİYE; 3 Ankara University, Faculty
of Medicine, Department of Radiology, TR-06230 Ankara – TÜRKİYE;
4 Medical Design, Research and Application Center,
TR-06520 Ankara - TÜRKİYE
*Corresponding author:
vetcanerbakici@gmail.com
Abstract
Neuroanatomy is widely regarded as one of the most complex subjects in
veterinary education and clinical practice. Understanding the brain ventricles
in particular can be quite challenging for learners. In addition to classical
methods, three-dimensional (3D) printed models can provide an efficient learning
process. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of 3D-printed models
(3DPM) depicting the dog brain ventricular system as educational tools in
neurology and neuroanatomy. Additionally, it outlines the process of creating
these models, from imaging specimens with a 3 Tesla magnetic resonance (MR) to
3D printing. MR imaging was performed on four mesocephalic dogs. The
semi-automatic technique was performed on MR images to generate a 3D
reconstruction of the brain ventricles. 3D digital images were used to create
3DPM with an FDM printer. An evaluation survey for learners was also conducted
to evaluate the efficiency of 3DPM for neuroanatomy education. The ventricular
system and associated anatomical structures were easily identified on MR images.
A detailed 3D model of the ventricular system was created by this method. It was
determined that 3DPM was easily handled, quickly reproducible, cost-efficient,
and storable. Besides, a significant number of students stated that the use of
3DPM is necessary and will be more useful in learning neuroanatomy. This
technique could help not only education partners like lecturers and learners but
also clinicians like radiologists and surgeons to understand canine ventricular
anatomy better.
To Cite This Article:
Ekim O, Bakici C, Akçay A, Algin O and Oto C,
2024. The efficiency of 3D-printed dog brain ventricular models from 3 tesla
(3T) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for neuroanatomy education. Pak Vet J,
44(2): 430-436. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2024.168