Designing and clinical application of a 3D-printed personalized model of a radiofrequency needle guide with a maxillary fixator for puncture of the gasserian ganglion for trigeminal neuralgia treatment

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to present a newly designed 3D-printed personalized model (3D PPM) of a radiofrequency needle guide with a maxillary fixation for gasserian ganglion (GG) puncture. METHODS Implementation of 3D CT–guided radiofrequency therapy of the GG with and without use of 3D PPM was analyzed. The following parameters were assessed: radiation time, dose area product, air kerma reference point, pain severity during the puncture needle insertion, prosopalgia regression degree (according to visual analog scale) and the severity of facial numbness (according to the Barrow Neurological Institute scale) in the early postoperative period, and postpuncture complications. RESULTS Pain severity reduction was equivalent in both groups, and postoperative facial numbness was not observed. A statistically significant difference in radiation exposure parameters was revealed: radiation time was 181.67 ± 2.99 and 310.50 ± 18.46 seconds (p < 0.001); dose area product was 950.97 ± 115.41 and 1545.48 ± 135.04 µGy*m2 (p < 0.005); and the air kerma reference point was 114.53 ± 16.81 and 190.88 ± 17.48 mGy (p < 0.005) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. The severity of pain during a puncture needle insertion was assessed as mild in 62.5% and 25%, moderate in 37.5% and 41.6%, and severe in 0% and 33.3% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. No serious perioperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS The use of 3D PPM allows for controlled needle insertion, reducing the radiation dose to the patient and medical staff, reducing pain during a puncture needle insertion into the area of the foramen ovale, and minimizing the risk of postoperative complications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.