3D printed cardiovascular models for surgical planning in complex congenital heart diseases

3D printing allows the most realistic perception of the surgical anatomy of congenital heart diseases without the requirement of physical devices such as a computer screen or virtual headset. It is useful for surgical decision making and simulation, hands-on surgical training (HOST) and cardiovascular morphology teaching. 3D-printed models allow easy understanding of surgical morphology and preoperative surgical simulation. The most common indications for its clinical use include complex forms of double outlet right ventricle and transposition of the great arteries, anomalous systemic and pulmonary venous connections, and heterotaxy. Its utility in congenital heart surgery is indisputable, although it is hard to “scientifically” prove the impact of its use in surgery because of many confounding factors that contribute to the surgical outcome. 3D-printed models are valuable resources for morphology teaching. Educational models can be produced for almost all different variations of congenital heart diseases, and replicated in any number. HOST using 3D-printed models enables efficient education of surgeons in-training. Implementation of the HOST courses in congenital heart surgical training programs is not an option but an absolute necessity. In conclusion, 3D printing is entering the stage of maturation in its use for congenital heart surgery. It is now time for imagers and surgeons to find how to effectively utilize 3D printing and how to improve the quality of the products for improved patient outcomes and impact of education and training.

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Development of an Open-Access Library of Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases and Treatments: A Tutorial on the Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy

2020 Design of Medical Devices Conference ◽

10.1115/dmd2020-9064 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Amanda C. Tenhoff ◽

Alex J. Deakyne ◽

Tinen L. Iles ◽

Shanti L. Narasimhan ◽

Sameh M. Said ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Congenital Heart ◽

Surgical Planning ◽

Heart Diseases ◽

Treatment Strategies ◽

3D Models ◽

Free Access ◽

Cardiac Anatomy ◽

Congenital Heart Diseases ◽

Clinical Presentations ◽

Future Work

Abstract The major aim of this project is to construct a growing database of information regarding specific manifestations of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), subsequent treatments, clinical cases, and patient outcomes. This will include 3D models generated from clinical imaging of individual patient hearts and respective de-identified clinical case information — all of which will be incorporated onto the free-access Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy website (http://www.vhlab.umn.edu/atlas/), where anyone can learn more about these diseases and their complexities [1]. Generated models can also be used for 3D printing, such as for pre-surgical planning, as well as for incorporation into virtual reality in order to expand outreach and education efforts [2]. Future work will incorporate computational modeling to enhance insights relative to treatment strategies and surgical planning. By studying a broad range of these unique individual cases, it will be possible for patients, clinicians, and medical device designers alike to better understand the clinical presentations of congenital heart diseases and develop more effective treatment strategies.

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