Sparse-view neutron CT 3D image reconstruction algorithm based on split Bregman method

As a complement to X-ray computed tomography(CT),neutron tomography has been extensively used in nuclear engineer-ing,materials science,cultural heritage,and industrial applications.Reconstruction of the attenuation matrix for neutron tomography with a traditional analytical algorithm requires hundreds of projection views in the range of 0°to 180°and typically takes several hours to complete.Such a low time-resolved resolution degrades the quality of neutron imaging.Decreasing the number of projection acquisitions is an important approach to improve the time resolution of images;however,this requires efficient reconstruction algorithms.Therefore,sparse-view reconstruction algorithms in neutron tomography need to be investigated.In this study,we investigated the three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm for sparse-view neu-tron CT scans.To enhance the reconstructed image quality of neutron CT,we propose an algorithm that uses OS-SART to reconstruct images and a split Bregman to solve for the total variation(SBTV).A comparative analysis of the performances of each reconstruction algorithm was performed using simulated and actual experimental data.According to the analyzed results,OS-SART-SBTV is superior to the other algorithms in terms of denoising,suppressing artifacts,and preserving detailed structural information of images.

Three-dimensional(3D)parametric measurements of individual gravels in the Gobi region using point cloud technique

Gobi spans a large area of China,surpassing the combined expanse of mobile dunes and semi-fixed dunes.Its presence significantly influences the movement of sand and dust.However,the complex origins and diverse materials constituting the Gobi result in notable differences in saltation processes across various Gobi surfaces.It is challenging to describe these processes according to a uniform morphology.Therefore,it becomes imperative to articulate surface characteristics through parameters such as the three-dimensional(3D)size and shape of gravel.Collecting morphology information for Gobi gravels is essential for studying its genesis and sand saltation.To enhance the efficiency and information yield of gravel parameter measurements,this study conducted field experiments in the Gobi region across Dunhuang City,Guazhou County,and Yumen City(administrated by Jiuquan City),Gansu Province,China in March 2023.A research framework and methodology for measuring 3D parameters of gravel using point cloud were developed,alongside improved calculation formulas for 3D parameters including gravel grain size,volume,flatness,roundness,sphericity,and equivalent grain size.Leveraging multi-view geometry technology for 3D reconstruction allowed for establishing an optimal data acquisition scheme characterized by high point cloud reconstruction efficiency and clear quality.Additionally,the proposed methodology incorporated point cloud clustering,segmentation,and filtering techniques to isolate individual gravel point clouds.Advanced point cloud algorithms,including the Oriented Bounding Box(OBB),point cloud slicing method,and point cloud triangulation,were then deployed to calculate the 3D parameters of individual gravels.These systematic processes allow precise and detailed characterization of individual gravels.For gravel grain size and volume,the correlation coefficients between point cloud and manual measurements all exceeded 0.9000,confirming the feasibility of the proposed methodology for measuring 3D parameters of individual gravels.The proposed workflow yields accurate calculations of relevant parameters for Gobi gravels,providing essential data support for subsequent studies on Gobi environments.

Development of Multi-Agent-Based Indoor 3D Reconstruction

Large-scale indoor 3D reconstruction with multiple robots faces challenges in core enabling technologies.This work contributes to a framework addressing localization,coordination,and vision processing for multi-agent reconstruction.A system architecture fusing visible light positioning,multi-agent path finding via reinforcement learning,and 360°camera techniques for 3D reconstruction is proposed.Our visible light positioning algorithm leverages existing lighting for centimeter-level localization without additional infrastructure.Meanwhile,a decentralized reinforcement learning approach is developed to solve the multi-agent path finding problem,with communications among agents optimized.Our 3D reconstruction pipeline utilizes equirectangular projection from 360°cameras to facilitate depth-independent reconstruction from posed monocular images using neural networks.Experimental validation demonstrates centimeter-level indoor navigation and 3D scene reconstruction capabilities of our framework.The challenges and limitations stemming from the above enabling technologies are discussed at the end of each corresponding section.In summary,this research advances fundamental techniques for multi-robot indoor 3D modeling,contributing to automated,data-driven applications through coordinated robot navigation,perception,and modeling.

SAR regional all-azimuth observation orbit design for target 3D reconstruction

Three-dimensional(3D) synthetic aperture radar(SAR)extends the conventional 2D images into 3D features by several acquisitions in different aspects. Compared with 3D techniques via multiple observations in elevation, e.g. SAR interferometry(InSAR) and SAR tomography(TomoSAR), holographic SAR can retrieve 3D structure by observations in azimuth. This paper focuses on designing a novel type of orbit to achieve SAR regional all-azimuth observation(AAO) for embedded targets detection and holographic 3D reconstruction. The ground tracks of the AAO orbit separate the earth surface into grids. Target in these grids can be accessed with an azimuth angle span of360°, which is similar to the flight path of airborne circular SAR(CSAR). Inspired from the successive coverage orbits of optical sensors, several optimizations are made in the proposed method to ensure favorable grazing angles, the performance of 3D reconstruction, and long-term supervision for SAR sensors. Simulation experiments show the regional AAO can be completed within five hours. In addition, a second AAO of the same area can be duplicated in two days. Finally, an airborne SAR data process result is presented to illustrate the significance of AAO in 3D reconstruction.

Efficacy of laparoscopic low anterior resection for colorectal cancer patients with 3D-vascular reconstruction for left coronary artery preservation

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic low anterior resection(LLAR)has become a mainstream surgical method for the treatment of colorectal cancer,which has shown many advantages in the aspects of surgical trauma and postoperative rehabilitation.However,the effect of surgery on patients'left coronary artery and its vascular reconstruction have not been deeply discussed.With the development of medical imaging technology,3D vascular reconstruction has become an effective means to evaluate the curative effect of surgery.AIM To investigate the clinical value of preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction in LLAR of rectal cancer with the left colic artery(LCA)preserved.METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 146 patients who underwent LLAR for rectal cancer with LCA preservation from January to December 2023 in our hospital.All patients underwent LLAR of rectal cancer with the LCA preserved,and the intraoperative and postoperative data were complete.The patients were divided into a reconstruction group(72 patients)and a nonreconstruction group(74 patients)according to whether 3D vascular reconstruction was performed before surgery.The clinical features,operation conditions,complications,pathological results and postoperative recovery of the two groups were collected and compared.RESULTS A total of 146 patients with rectal cancer were included in the study,including 72 patients in the reconstruction group and 74 patients in the nonreconstruction group.There were 47 males and 25 females in the reconstruction group,aged(59.75±6.2)years,with a body mass index(BMI)(24.1±2.2)kg/m^(2),and 51 males and 23 females in the nonreconstruction group,aged(58.77±6.1)years,with a BMI(23.6±2.7)kg/m^(2).There was no significant difference in the baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).In the submesenteric artery reconstruction group,35 patients were type Ⅰ,25 patients were type Ⅱ,11 patients were type Ⅲ,and 1 patient was type Ⅳ.There were 37 type Ⅰ patients,24 type Ⅱ patients,12 type Ⅲ patients,and 1 type Ⅳ patient in the nonreconstruction group.There was no significant difference in arterial typing between the two groups(P>0.05).The operation time of the reconstruction group was 162.2±10.8 min,and that of the nonreconstruction group was 197.9±19.1 min.Compared with that of the reconstruction group,the operation time of the two groups was shorter,and the difference was statistically significant(t=13.840,P<0.05).The amount of intraoperative blood loss was 30.4±20.0 mL in the reconstruction group and 61.2±26.4 mL in the nonreconstruction group.The amount of blood loss in the reconstruction group was less than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(t=-7.930,P<0.05).The rates of anastomotic leakage(1.4%vs 1.4%,P=0.984),anastomotic hemorrhage(2.8%vs 4.1%,P=0.672),and postoperative hospital stay(6.8±0.7 d vs 7.0±0.7 d,P=0.141)were not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction technology can shorten the operation time and reduce the amount of intraoperative blood loss.Preoperative 3D vascular reconstruction is recommended to provide an intraoperative reference for laparoscopic low anterior resection with LCA preservation.

Multi-View Image-Based 3D Reconstruction in Indoor Scenes:A Survey

Three-dimensional reconstruction technology plays an important role in indoor scenes by converting objects and structures in indoor environments into accurate 3D models using multi-view RGB images.It offers a wide range of applications in fields such as virtual reality,augmented reality,indoor navigation,and game development.Existing methods based on multi-view RGB images have made significant progress in 3D reconstruction.These image-based reconstruction methods not only possess good expressive power and generalization performance,but also handle complex geometric shapes and textures effectively.Despite facing challenges such as lighting variations,occlusion,and texture loss in indoor scenes,these challenges can be effectively addressed through deep neural networks,neural implicit surface representations,and other techniques.The technology of indoor 3D reconstruction based on multi-view RGB images has a promising future.It not only provides immersive and interactive virtual experiences but also brings convenience and innovation to indoor navigation,interior design,and virtual tours.As the technology evolves,these image-based reconstruction methods will be further improved to provide higher quality and more accurate solutions to indoor scene reconstruction.

Machine acceleration time series prediction for dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts

This study explores the influence of infill patterns on machine acceleration prediction in the realm of three-dimensional(3D)printing,particularly focusing on extrusion technology.Our primary objective was to develop a long short-term memory(LSTM)network capable of assessing this impact.We conducted an extensive analysis involving 12 distinct infill patterns,collecting time-series data to examine their effects on the acceleration of the printer’s bed.The LSTM network was trained using acceleration data from the adaptive cubic infill pattern,while the Archimedean chords infill pattern provided data for evaluating the network’s prediction accuracy.This involved utilizing offline time-series acceleration data as the training and testing datasets for the LSTM model.Specifically,the LSTM model was devised to predict the acceleration of a fused deposition modeling(FDM)printer using data from the adaptive cubic infill pattern.Rigorous testing yielded a root mean square error(RMSE)of 0.007144,reflecting the model’s precision.Further refinement and testing of the LSTM model were conducted using acceleration data from the Archimedean chords infill pattern,resulting in an RMSE of 0.007328.Notably,the developed LSTM model demonstrated superior performance compared to an optimized recurrent neural network(RNN)in predicting machine acceleration data.The empirical findings highlight that the adaptive cubic infill pattern considerably influences the dimensional accuracy of parts printed using FDM technology.

3D printing of calcium phosphate bioceramic with tailored biodegradation rate for skull bone tissue reconstruction

The bone regenerative scaffold with the tailored degradation rate matching with the growth rate of the new bone is essential for adolescent bone repair.To satisfy these requirement,we proposed bone tissue scaffolds with controlled degradation rate using osteoinductive materials(Ca-P bioceramics),which is expected to present a controllable biodegradation rate for patients who need bone regeneration.Physicochemical properties,porosity,compressive strength and degradation properties of the scaffolds were studied.3D printed Ca-P scaffold(3DS),gas foaming Ca-P scaffold(FS)and autogenous bone(AB)were used in vivo for personalized beagle skull defect repair.Histological results indicated that the 3DS was highly vascularized and well combined with surrounding tissues.FS showed obvious newly formed bone tissues.AB showed the best repair effect,but it was found that AB scaffolds were partially absorbed and degraded.This study indicated that the 3D printed Ca-P bioceramics with tailored biodegradation rate is a promising candidate for personalized skull bone tissue reconstruction.

3D Printing Hip Prostheses Offer Accurate Reconstruction,Stable Fixation,and Functional Recovery for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty with Complex Acetabular Bone Defect

Complicated and large acetabular bone defects present the main challenges and difficulty in the revision of total hip arthroplasty(THA).This study aimed to explore the advantages of three-dimensional(3D)printing technology in the reconstruction of such acetabular bone defects.We retrospectively analyzed the prognosis of four severe bone defects around the acetabulum in three patients who were treated using 3D printing technology.Reconstruction of bone defect by conventional methods was difficult in these patients.In this endeavor,we used radiographic methods,related computer software such as Materialise's interactive medical image control system and Siemens NX software,and actual surgical experience to estimate defect volume,prosthesis stability,and installation accuracy,respectively.Moreover,a Harris hip score was obtained to evaluate limb function.It was found that bone defects could be adequately reconstructed using a 3D printing prosthesis,and its stability was reliable.The Harris hip score indicated a very good functional recovery in all three patients.In conclusion,3D printing technology had a good therapeutic effect on both complex and large bone defects in the revision of THA.It was able to achieve good curative effects in patients with large bone defects.

Advancing Wound Filling Extraction on 3D Faces:An Auto-Segmentation and Wound Face Regeneration Approach

Facial wound segmentation plays a crucial role in preoperative planning and optimizing patient outcomes in various medical applications.In this paper,we propose an efficient approach for automating 3D facial wound segmentation using a two-stream graph convolutional network.Our method leverages the Cir3D-FaIR dataset and addresses the challenge of data imbalance through extensive experimentation with different loss functions.To achieve accurate segmentation,we conducted thorough experiments and selected a high-performing model from the trainedmodels.The selectedmodel demonstrates exceptional segmentation performance for complex 3D facial wounds.Furthermore,based on the segmentation model,we propose an improved approach for extracting 3D facial wound fillers and compare it to the results of the previous study.Our method achieved a remarkable accuracy of 0.9999993% on the test suite,surpassing the performance of the previous method.From this result,we use 3D printing technology to illustrate the shape of the wound filling.The outcomes of this study have significant implications for physicians involved in preoperative planning and intervention design.By automating facial wound segmentation and improving the accuracy ofwound-filling extraction,our approach can assist in carefully assessing and optimizing interventions,leading to enhanced patient outcomes.Additionally,it contributes to advancing facial reconstruction techniques by utilizing machine learning and 3D bioprinting for printing skin tissue implants.Our source code is available at https://github.com/SIMOGroup/WoundFilling3D.

Uses of a dedicated 3D reconstruction software with augmented and mixed reality in planning and performing advanced liver surgery and living donor liver transplantation(with videos)

The development of digital intelligent diagnostic and treatment technology has opened countless new opportunities for liver surgery from the era of digital anatomy to a new era of digital diagnostics,virtual surgery simulation and using the created scenarios in real-time surgery using mixed reality.In this article,we described our experience on developing a dedicated 3 dimensional visualization and reconstruction software for surgeons to be used in advanced liver surgery and living donor liver transplantation.Furthermore,we shared the recent developments in the field by explaining the outreach of the software from virtual reality to augmented reality and mixed reality.

Comparison of Efficacy between 3D Navigation-Assisted Percutaneous Iliosacral Screw and Minimally Invasive Reconstruction Plate in Treating Sacroiliac Complex Injury

The clinical efficacy was compared between 3D navigation-assisted percutaneous iliosacral screw(3DPS)and minimally invasive reconstruction plate(MIRP)in treating sacroiliac complex injury and the surgical procedures of 3DPS were introduced.A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with sacroiliac complex injury from March 2013 to May 2017.Twenty-one cases were treated by 3DPS,and 28 cases by MIRP.Intraoperative indexes as operative time,blood loss,incision length,length of hospital stay and postoperative complications were respectively documented.Quality of reduction was postoperatively evaluated by Matta radiological criteria,and clinical effect was assessed by Majeed scoring criteria at the last followup.Operative time and hospital stay were significantly shortened,and blood loss,and incision length were significantly reduced in 3DPS group as compared with those in MIRP group(P<0.05).No statistically significant difference was found between 3DPS group and MIRP group in the assessment of reduction and function(P>0.05).It was concluded that both 3DPS and MIRP can effectively treat the sacroiliac complex injury,and 3DPS can provide an accurate,safe and minimally invasive fixation with shorter operative time and hospital stay.

3D Shape Reconstruction of Lumbar Vertebra From Two X-ray Images and a CT Model

Structure reconstruction of 3 D anatomy from biplanar X-ray images is a challenging topic. Traditionally, the elastic-model-based method was used to reconstruct 3 D shapes by deforming the control points on the elastic mesh. However, the reconstructed shape is not smooth because the limited control points are only distributed on the edge of the elastic mesh.Alternatively, statistical-model-based methods, which include shape-model-based and intensity-model-based methods, are introduced due to their smooth reconstruction. However, both suffer from limitations. With the shape-model-based method, only the boundary profile is considered, leading to the loss of valid intensity information. For the intensity-based-method, the computation speed is slow because it needs to calculate the intensity distribution in each iteration. To address these issues, we propose a new reconstruction method using X-ray images and a specimen’s CT data. Specifically, the CT data provides both the shape mesh and the intensity model of the vertebra. Intensity model is used to generate the deformation field from X-ray images, while the shape model is used to generate the patient specific model by applying the calculated deformation field.Experiments on the public synthetic dataset and clinical dataset show that the average reconstruction errors are 1.1 mm and1.2 mm, separately. The average reconstruction time is 3 minutes.

3D reconstruction of worn parts for flexible remanufacture based on robotic arc welding

3D reconstruction of worn parts is the foundation for remanufacturing system based on robotic arc welding, because it can provide 3D geometric information for robot task plan. In this investigation, a novel 3D reconstruction system based on linear structured light vision sensing is developed. This system hardware consists of a MTC368-CB CCD camera, a MLH-645 laser projector and a DH-CG300 image grabbing card. This system software is developed to control the image data capture. In order to reconstruct the 3D geometric information from the captured image, a two steps rapid calibration algorithm is proposed. The 3D reconstruction experiment shows a satisfactory result.

3D Reconstruction for Motion Blurred Images Using Deep Learning-Based Intelligent Systems

The 3D reconstruction using deep learning-based intelligent systems can provide great help for measuring an individual’s height and shape quickly and accurately through 2D motion-blurred images.Generally,during the acquisition of images in real-time,motion blur,caused by camera shaking or human motion,appears.Deep learning-based intelligent control applied in vision can help us solve the problem.To this end,we propose a 3D reconstruction method for motion-blurred images using deep learning.First,we develop a BF-WGAN algorithm that combines the bilateral filtering(BF)denoising theory with a Wasserstein generative adversarial network(WGAN)to remove motion blur.The bilateral filter denoising algorithm is used to remove the noise and to retain the details of the blurred image.Then,the blurred image and the corresponding sharp image are input into the WGAN.This algorithm distinguishes the motion-blurred image from the corresponding sharp image according to the WGAN loss and perceptual loss functions.Next,we use the deblurred images generated by the BFWGAN algorithm for 3D reconstruction.We propose a threshold optimization random sample consensus(TO-RANSAC)algorithm that can remove the wrong relationship between two views in the 3D reconstructed model relatively accurately.Compared with the traditional RANSAC algorithm,the TO-RANSAC algorithm can adjust the threshold adaptively,which improves the accuracy of the 3D reconstruction results.The experimental results show that our BF-WGAN algorithm has a better deblurring effect and higher efficiency than do other representative algorithms.In addition,the TO-RANSAC algorithm yields a calculation accuracy considerably higher than that of the traditional RANSAC algorithm.

Drishti Paint 3.2:a new open-source tool for both 2D and 3D segmentation

X-ray computed tomography(CT)has been an important technology in paleontology for several decades.It helps researchers to acquire detailed anatomical structures of fossils non-destructively.Despite its widespread application,developing an efficient and user-friendly method for segmenting CT data continues to be a formidable challenge in the field.Most CT data segmentation software operates on 2D interfaces,which limits flexibility for real-time adjustments in 3D segmentation.Here,we introduce Curves Mode in Drishti Paint 3.2,an open-source tool for CT data segmentation.Drishti Paint 3.2 allows users to manually or semi-automatically segment the CT data in both 2D and 3D environments,providing a novel solution for revisualizing CT data in paleontological studies.

A Systematic Approach for Making 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Implants for Craniomaxillofacial Reconstruction

Craniomaxillofacial reconstruction implants,which are extensively used in head and neck surgery,are conventionally made in standardized forms.During surgery,the implant must be bended manually to match the anatomy of the individual bones.The bending process is time-consuming,especially for inexperienced surgeons.Moreover,repetitive bending may induce undesirable internal stress concentration,resulting in fatigue under masticatory loading in v iv o and causing various complications such as implant fracture,screw loosening,and bone resorption.There have been reports on the use of patient-specific 3D-printed implants for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction,although few reports have considered implant quality.In this paper,we present a systematic approach for making 3D-printed patientspecific surgical implants for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction.The approach consists of three parts:First,an easy-to-use design module is developed using Solidworks®software,which helps surgeons to design the implants and the axillary fixtures for surgery.Design engineers can then carry out the detailed design and use finite-element modeling(FEM)to optimize the design.Second,the fabrication process is carried out in three steps:0 testing the quality of the powder;(2)setting up the appropriate process parameters and running the 3D printing process;and (3)conducting post-processing treatments(i.e.,heat and surface treatments)to ensure the quality and performance of the implant.Third,the operation begins after the final checking of the implant and sterilization.After the surgery,postoperative rehabilitation follow-up can be carried out using our patient tracking software.Following this systematic approach,we have successfully conducted a total of 41 surgical cases.3D-printed patient-specific implants have a number of advantages;in particular,their use reduces surgery time and shortens patient recovery time.Moreover,the presented approach helps to ensure implant quality.

Generating animatable 3D cartoon faces from single portraits

Background With the development of virtual reality(VR)technology,there is a growing need for customized 3D avatars.However,traditional methods for 3D avatar modeling are either time-consuming or fail to retain the similarity to the person being modeled.This study presents a novel framework for generating animatable 3D cartoon faces from a single portrait image.Methods First,we transferred an input real-world portrait to a stylized cartoon image using StyleGAN.We then proposed a two-stage reconstruction method to recover a 3D cartoon face with detailed texture.Our two-stage strategy initially performs coarse estimation based on template models and subsequently refines the model by nonrigid deformation under landmark supervision.Finally,we proposed a semantic-preserving face-rigging method based on manually created templates and deformation transfer.Conclusions Compared with prior arts,the qualitative and quantitative results show that our method achieves better accuracy,aesthetics,and similarity criteria.Furthermore,we demonstrated the capability of the proposed 3D model for real-time facial animation.

Application of computer tomography-based 3D reconstruction technique in hernia repair surgery

BACKGROUND Hernia is a common condition requiring abdominal surgery.The current standard treatment for hernia is tension-free repair using meshes.Globally,more than 200 new types of meshes are licensed each year.However,their clinical applications are associated with a series of complications,such as recurrence(10%-24%)and infection(0.5%-9.0%).In contrast,3D-printed meshes have significantly reduced the postoperative complications in patients.They have also shortened operating time and minimized the loss of mesh materials.In this study,we used the myopectineal orifice(MPO)data obtained from preoperative computer tomography(CT)-based 3D reconstruction for the production of 3D-printed biologic meshes.AIM To investigate the application of multislice spiral CT-based 3D reconstruction technique in 3D-printed biologic mesh for hernia repair surgery.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients who underwent laparoscopic tension-free repair for inguinal hernia in the Department of General Surgery of the First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from September 2019 to December 2019.This study included 30 males and 30 females,with a mean age of 40±5.6 years.Data on the MPO were obtained from preoperative CT-based 3D reconstruction as well as from real-world intraoperative measurements for all patients.Anatomic points were set for the purpose of measurement based on the definition of MPO:A:The pubic tubercle;B:Intersection of the horizontal line extending from the summit of the inferior edge of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis and the outer edge of the rectus abdominis,C:Intersection of the horizontal line extending from the summit of the inferior edge of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis and the inguinal ligament,D:Intersection of the iliopsoas muscle and the inguinal ligament,and E:Intersection of the iliopsoas muscle and the superior pubic ramus.The distance between the points was measured.All preoperative and intraoperative data were analyzed using the t test.Differences with P<0.05 were considered significant in comparative analysis.RESULTS The distance between points AB,AC,BC,DE,and AE based on preoperative and intraoperative data was 7.576±0.212 cm vs 7.573±0.266 cm,7.627±0.212 cm vs 7.627±0.212 cm,7.677±0.229 cm vs 7.567±0.786 cm,7.589±0.204 cm vs 7.512±0.21 cm,and 7.617±0.231 cm vs 7.582±0.189 cm,respectively.All differences were not statistically significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The use of multislice spiral CT-based 3D reconstruction technique before hernia repair surgery allows accurate measurement of data and relationships of different anatomic sites in the MPO region.This technique can provide precise data for the production of 3D-printed biologic meshes.

3D printing of personalized polylactic acid scaffold laden with GelMA/autologous auricle cartilage to promote ear reconstruction

At present,the clinical reconstruction of the auricle usually adopts the strategy of taking autologous costal cartilage.This method has great trauma to patients,poor plasticity and inaccurate shaping.Three-dimensional(3D)printing technology has made a great breakthrough in the clinical application of orthopedic implants.This study explored the combination of 3D printing and tissue engineering to precisely reconstruct the auricle.First,a polylactic acid(PLA)polymer scaffold with a precisely customized patient appearance was fabricated,and then auricle cartilage fragments were loaded into the 3D-printed porous PLA scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.In vitro,gelatin methacrylamide(GelMA)hydrogels loaded with different sizes of rabbit ear cartilage fragments were studied to assess the regenerative activity of various autologous cartilage fragments.In vivo,rat ear cartilage fragments were placed in an accurately designed porous PLA polymer ear scaffold to promote auricle reconstruction.The results indicated that the chondrocytes in the cartilage fragments could maintain the morphological phenotype in vitro.After three months of implantation observation,it was conducive to promoting the subsequent regeneration of cartilage in vivo.The autologous cartilage fragments combined with 3D printing technology show promising potential in auricle reconstruction.