Hi, with all the talk here on the value of getting dynamic CT scans done, then turned to 3D imaging, I thought you might like to see what my husband printed on his 3D printer, using my CT scan from Sept.
Put a paper behind the vein to show it better, it’s hard to get it at just the right angle to show how severely compressed it is. Normal width is to the left, and compressions at middle and right red lines.
@GeorgiaKay -
Very awesome! Our son just dropped his 3D printer off at our house for “safekeeping”. I showed him your images & told him he has a challenge to meet. Unfortunately, he’s not as fascinated w/ medical things as I am so it’s unlikely he’ll go to the effort to reproduce anything like that for me.
How are you progressing w/ doctors’ appointments & finding the medical care you need to help resolve your vascular compressions?
In answer to @Jules questions, our boys are ages 11 & 13, both about to have their next birthdays. Yes, they are quite interested in the 3D printing (not to mention the rockets they print and launch, and whatever all else interests them!)
Nobody has to feel pressured to print their imaging, @Isaiah_40_31 ! My husband just loves to learn new things, and printing CT scan imaging is definitely a NEW thing. The biggest reason we wanted to print it was to get a better idea of how compressed the brachiocephalic vein is. And that’s when we discovered it’s severely compressed at two spots, instead of one. No wonder the symptoms are so concerning.
We are still waiting to hear from Dr. Hui in Hawaii, though they told us it would likely be after the first of the year to hear back. Dr. Hepworth has my info too, and we are preparing to send it to Dr. Fargen in NC as well. Dr. Fargen is closer anyway. It’s less handy to send it, as he wants it all either mailed or faxed, no digital files sent through a link. It’s a job to collect everything…!
The surgeon in Germany already saw what he needs to see about the May Thurner’s and Nutcracker compressions. It’s up to us to get scheduled when we’re ready to pursue it.
What we’re learning is that it’s better to start at the top and go down when dealing with compressions. Does anyone have their two cents to add on that idea? Is it accurate? Probably it depends how severe the various compressions are, and which is screaming the loudest?
@GeorgiaKay - Dr. Hepworth would concur w/ the “start at the top & work down” theory of dealing with compressions as he’s mentioned that to some of his patients. However, I agree w/ you -
I hope you get a call from Dr. Hui’s ofc early in 2026 so you can begin progressing w/ him if that’s what you decide to do. Good to know the surgeon in Germany is waiting on you rather than the other way around.
Sounds like it’s going to be a busy year for you health-wise! God bless, I hope you hear back soon & get advice on the best way round to do the surgeries
Unfortunately, he’s not as fascinated w/ medical things as I am so it’s unlikely he’ll go to the effort to reproduce anything like that for me. 
The biggest reason we wanted to print it was to get a better idea of how compressed the brachiocephalic vein is. And that’s when we discovered it’s severely compressed at two spots, instead of one. No wonder the symptoms are so concerning.
