Biomimetic tissue phantoms for neurosurgical near-infrared fluorescence imaging

SIGNIFICANCE: Neurosurgical fluorescence imaging is a well-established clinical approach with a growing range of indications for use. However, this technology lacks effective phantom-based tools for development, performance testing, and clinician training. AIM: Our primary aim was to develop and evaluate 3D-printed phantoms capable of optically and morphologically simulating neurovasculature under fluorescence angiography. APPROACH: Volumetric digital maps of the circle of Willis with basilar and posterior communicator artery aneurysms, along with surrounding cerebral tissue, were generated. Phantoms were fabricated with a stereolithography printer using custom photopolymer composites, then visualized under white light and near-infrared fluorescence imaging. RESULTS: Feature sizes of printed components were found to be within 13% of digital models. Phantoms exhibited realistic optical properties and convincingly recapitulated fluorescence angiography scenes. CONCLUSIONS: Methods identified in this study can facilitate the development of realistic phantoms as powerful new tools for fluorescence imaging.