ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the anatomical structure of arterial vessels in the head and neck of miniature pigs and the related application of vascular cast specimens,and the technology of three-dimensional model reconstruction by CT imaging. Methods A vascular cast specimen of a miniature pig head and neck was made by a 128-slice spiral CT scanning,and a three-dimensional model of the arterial vessels in the head and neck of the miniature pig was reconstructed. Results The cast specimen clearly showed the distribution and running characteristics of the arteries in the head and neck of a miniature pig. The three-dimensional digital model was realistic and stereoscopic,showing the running and distribution of arteries from multiple angles and layers. Conclusions The distribution and running characteristics of arterial vessels in the head and neck of a miniature pig have been investigated by the combination of cast specimen and three-dimensional digital model,providing a morphological reference for the establishment of pig cerebrovascular models in respects of both solid specimen and virtualized model.