Living the heart in three dimensions: applications of 3D printing in CHD

Abstract

Advances in biomedical engineering have led to three-dimensional (3D)-printed models being used for a broad range of different applications. Teaching medical personnel, communicating with patients and relatives, planning complex heart surgery, or designing new techniques for repair of CHD via cardiac catheterisation are now options available using patient-specific 3D-printed models. The management of CHD can be challenging owing to the wide spectrum of morphological conditions and the differences between patients. Direct visualisation and manipulation of the patients’ individual anatomy has opened new horizons in personalised treatment, providing the possibility of performing the whole procedure in vitro beforehand, thus anticipating complications and possible outcomes. In this review, we discuss the workflow to implement 3D printing in clinical practice, the imaging modalities used for anatomical segmentation, the applications of this emerging technique in patients with structural heart disease, and its limitations and future directions.

Three‐dimensional printing for surgical planning of a double aortic arch case

“…The benefits of 3D models in clinical practice have been demonstrated by several authors. It is a useful tool for preoperative planning and trainee education of complex congenital cardiac, thoracic and abdominal cases 6,8,11 . Jones et al 7 observed that when 3D models were printed for anatomic abnormalities (like vascular rings or pulmonary artery sling) and, subsequently used by young cardiothoracic surgeons for learning, it was a better comprehension of the surgical anatomy of all cases.…”

“…The creation of the patient‐specific model, the advantages of 3D printing have been demonstrated in different forms of CHD. This innovative technology has helped the clinicians by the possibility to personalized treatments, particularly in complex cases as double outlet right ventricle or pulmonary venous return malformation 6 …”

“…It is a useful tool for preoperative planning and trainee education of complex congenital cardiac, thoracic and abdominal cases. 6,8,11 Jones et al 7 observed that when 3D models were printed for anatomic abnormalities (like vascular rings or pulmonary artery sling) and, subsequently used by young cardiothoracic surgeons for learning, it was a better comprehension of the surgical anatomy of all cases. To demonstrate this, the authors submitted the residents to a survey on the anatomy of vascular rings and observed that the test-score improved significantly between pre and post 3D model examinations.…”

“…Three‐dimensional (3D) printed anatomic models have emerged in surgery and their utility was demonstrated in several studies and case reports described in the literature. The printed patient‐specific models have been demonstrated to be a useful tool for preoperative planning, surgical decision‐making as well as trainee education 6–8 . In this case report, we describe our experience with the use of 3D printing in a patient with symptomatic balanced DAA, and how it influenced our surgical strategy.…”

“…The printed patient-specific models have been demonstrated to be a useful tool for preoperative planning, surgical decision-making as well as trainee education. [6][7][8] In this case report, we describe our experience with the use of 3D printing in a patient with symptomatic balanced DAA, and how it influenced our surgical strategy.…”