Three-dimensional printed cardiac fistulae: a case series

Abstract

Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing of cardiac fistulae allows for immediate understanding of their complex courses and anatomical relations. Models can be used to improve patient understanding, enhance the consenting process, facilitate communication between multidisciplinary staff at heart team meetings, and help plan surgical or percutaneous interventions. Case summary We report four cases where 3D printed models were used as an adjunct with traditional measures in treating patients with complex cardiac fistulae. Discussion In our cases, overall patient understanding was improved, staff at heart team meetings were more aware of anatomical anomalies and perioperatively planning saw adjustments made that may have ultimately benefited patient outcome. Our cases highlight the additional benefit that 3D printed models can play when treating patients with complex cardiac fistulae.

Coronary Artery Fistulas

“…In addition to diagnosis and characterization, 3D reconstructions provide valuable preprocedural information on CAFs to clinicians, which has been shown in multiple case series. [61][62][63] In this setting, 3D methods allow anatomic visualization, particularly in complex fistulas, and may provide additional benefit in treatment decisions. One method of 3D visualization is 3D printing, which involves creation of a scale visualization allowing for a tangle model and providing benefit to both clinicians and patients.…”

“…One method of 3D visualization is 3D printing, which involves creation of a scale visualization allowing for a tangle model and providing benefit to both clinicians and patients. 62 Another emerging technique in 3D visualization is cinematic rendering, which is an extension of traditional volume rendered 3D reconstruction techniques that produces photorealistic 3D images from volumetric CT and MRI data. 64 The use of cinematic rendering has been published in cases of CAFs and provides an alternative and more realistic means of modeling coronary fistulas in 3D, although its role in treatment planning is unclear.…”

“…In addition to diagnosis and characterization, 3D reconstructions provide valuable preprocedural information on CAFs to clinicians, which has been shown in multiple case series 61–63. In this setting, 3D methods allow anatomic visualization, particularly in complex fistulas, and may provide additional benefit in treatment decisions.…”

“…In this setting, 3D methods allow anatomic visualization, particularly in complex fistulas, and may provide additional benefit in treatment decisions. One method of 3D visualization is 3D printing, which involves creation of a scale visualization allowing for a tangle model and providing benefit to both clinicians and patients 62. Another emerging technique in 3D visualization is cinematic rendering, which is an extension of traditional volume rendered 3D reconstruction techniques that produces photorealistic 3D images from volumetric CT and MRI data 64.…”

Imaging-Based, Patient-Specific Three-Dimensional Printing to Plan, Train, and Guide Cardiovascular Interventions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Four (4) articles described cumulative seven 3DPSP in coronary artery interventions and evaluated them positively with high impact on decision-making [60][61][62][63]. Furthermore, 3DPSP were evaluated as helpful in the planning of adult cardiothoracic surgery [64], post-infarct VSD [65], cardiac resynchronisation device lead implantation [66], or the treatment of complex cardiac fistulae [67]. Other case reports and case series described the emerging role of 3DPSP in left ventricular pseudoaneurysm [68][69][70] and aneurysm of congenital origin [71].…”