Placental gradient angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction in clinical teaching of obstetrics

Objective To present students with the direct view of placental angioarchitectures using gradient angiography and 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and get better teaching effect. Methods The red contrast medium was injected in arteries and consisted of eosin and 50% Ultravist. The blue contrast medium was injected in veins and consisted of methylene blue and 10% Ultravist. 3D placental models were reconstructed from computed tomography (CT) scan data. Results The 3D model of placental vascular tree was intuitionistic; it could facilitate teachers' teaching and students' understanding of placental anatomy and pathologic pregnancy. Conclusion Gradient angiography and 3D reconstruction of placental angioarchitectures can improve the efficiency and quality in clinical teaching of obstetrics. Key words: Placenta; Gradient angiography; 3D reconstruction; Teaching methods