Development of a standardized intracranial vessel model from 3D time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography data of the SHIP cohort

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PURPOSE: A standardized, population-based three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) model of the intracranial arterial system was developed from time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) data of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) cohort, tailored for realistic simulation and experimental neurovascular applications. METHODS: An averaged intracranial TOF-MRA dataset generated from 4308 individual whole-body MRI examinations of the SHIP cohort was used as the anatomical basis. Intracranial arteries were segmented using 3D Slicer with Frangi-based vessel enhancement, semi-automatic region-growing, and manual refinement to obtain continuous vascular masks. Centerlines were extracted with VMTK (Vascular Modelling Toolkit), and vessel radii were computed via distance mapping. The resulting centerline and radius data were imported into a CAD environment (Creo Parametric) to reconstruct smooth vessel centerlines, generate circular cross-sections, and create a lofted three-dimensional lumen model, which was converted into a hollow geometry with a uniform wall thickness and exported as an STL file for 3D printing. RESULTS: The proposed workflow yielded a geometrically consistent, hollow 3D model of the central intracranial arteries, representing a population-averaged arterial anatomy with smooth vessel courses, gradual diameter transitions, and a closed, continuous wall. The CAD model could be successfully manufactured as a physical 3D-printed phantom and provides a stable, reproducible test environment for digital and in vitro investigations of neurovascular interventions under standardized anatomical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Population-based TOF-MRA data can be transformed into a technically robust and anatomically meaningful intracranial reference model suitable for CAD-based simulation and additive manufacturing. The resulting 3D CAD geometry serves as a reusable reference for comparative studies, methodological validation, early-stage device development, and training in endovascular neurosurgery, without aiming to replace patient-specific models.

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