Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Computational Heart Modeling and Printing to Enhance Clinical Understandings and Treatment Planning: Congenital Recurrent Pulmonary Artery Stenosis and Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement

Abstract

Advances in the surgical and interventional management of children with congenital heart disease has improved survival and outcomes. Each such patient is born with specific anatomical variations which call for detailed evaluations so to plan for appropriate patient-specific management. Significant progress has been made in commercially available two-dimensional imaging – i.e. echocardiogram, CT, and MRI – yet using such, three-dimensional anatomical details can be difficult to accurately represent. In addressing this concern, it has been shown that patient-specific three-dimensional modeling can be useful for interventional procedural or surgical planning [1]. Here we present two cases for which patient-specific anatomical three-dimensional modeling and printing were utilized for (1) the pre-sizing and placement of stents within a complex bifurcation pulmonary artery stenosis; and (2) evaluating the candidacy of the patient’s anatomy for a transcatheter pulmonary valve placement. Detailed within this technical brief are de-identified case information, workflows for model generations, and results regarding clinical usage. In conclusion, we found these patient-specific models to be an advantageous resource for treatment planning in these two pediatric congenital heart disease cases.

The effect of 3D modeling on family quality of life, surgical success, and patient outcomes in congenital heart diseases: objectives and design of a randomized controlled trial

“…13 Recurrent pulmonary artery stenosis and aortic coarctation can be successfully treated, and positive outcomes can be achieved with fast and patient-specific models. 10,14 The operating time of surgically simulated patients is reduced, and procedures can be completed with less cost and fewer complications. 15 Targeted patient outcomes can be achieved by managing a multidisciplinary team that includes the patient and family and by using surgical simulation.…”