3D Printed Imaging Phantoms

In medical imaging, phantoms with known geometries and material compositions are utilized to reproducibly and precisely characterize ability of a medical imaging system to safely produce accurate images. Today, a variety of commercial phantoms are available with a range of shapes, materials, and uses. However, these phantoms are typically costly and often feature simplified geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) printing, with its ability to rapidly and accurately produce new designs with the reproduction of complex, anatomical shapes based on patient-specific imaging data, promises new methods and possibilities for the production of medical imaging phantoms. In this chapter, a brief discussion of material properties pertinent to each imaging modality is described, and a variety of examples and methods to create 3D printed phantoms are included.