MISIS: The phantom of a human brain from hydrogel

2020: Creation of "phantom" of a human brain from hydrogel

The team of students of NITU MISIS developed "phantom" of a human brain – model from hydrogel with structural and mechanical similarity to real body. "Фантомозг" will allow students to study pathological anatomy of fabrics, and to the practicing neurosurgeons – to carry out training surgery. On July 2, 2020 NITU MISIS reported about it to Zdrav.Expert.

The Russian students created "phantom" of a human brain from hydrogel

Neurosurgical transactions – the difficult process demanding from the doctor of limit understanding of structure of a brain, the nature and a form of pathology, admissible borders of intervention. Even neurosurgeons with long-term experience can experience difficulties, having faced an exceptional clinical case, whether it be a hardly accessible location of a tumor, an extensive stroke or especially large hematoma.

For the beginning of July, 2020 of surgeons and students there are three main methods to study volume structure of bodies: through 3D - simulation in VR, on cadavers (i.e., human bodies) and also by means of phantoms – models of bodies full-scale. Each of methods has shortcomings – so, VR technologies still very expensive, and do not allow the operator to experience fully transaction process physically. Use of cadavers is inhumane, besides dead fabrics strongly "lose" in characteristics. Phantoms – the most optimal variant, however for summer of 2020 manufacture them of silicone which strongly differs from organic fabrics on mechanical characteristics.

Students of NITU MISIS offered alternative option of production of the phantom of a human brain – from hydrogel – on the basis of data computer and magnetic resonance imaging of the patient. The first stage – 3D - reconstruction with the subsequent printing of a polymeric negative. Then on the basis of a negative the silicone mold in which hydrogel (polyvinyl alcohol and agarose) is filled in is made. The received procurement is located in freezing in the beginning, and then in a refrigeration chamber. The general time of production of such phantom – about 30 hours.

The trial sample represented the reduced copy (1:4), mechanical tests showed that phantom strength almost corresponds to hemispheres of a human brain – 87 kPa against 100 kPa. Further work on structural simulation of other departments of a brain (a cerebellum, a midbrain, a medulla, the bridge) and also increase in model up to sizes 1:1 is necessary to a command. Besides, it is going to add in fantomozg simulation of vessels and pathological changes: tumors, blood clots, plaques.

Works are conducted in the Center of composition materials NITU MISIS and Skoltech with assistance of science sport Art, and charitable foundation.