Use of rapid prototyping models in the planning of percutaneous pulmonary valved stent implantation

Abstract

Percutaneous replacement of the pulmonary valve is a recently developed interventional technique which involves the implantation of a valved stent in the pulmonary trunk. It relies upon careful consideration of patient anatomy for both stent design and detailed procedure planning. Medical imaging data in the form of two-dimensional scans and three-dimensional interactive graphics offer only limited support for these tasks. The paper reports the results of an experimental investigation on the use of arterial models built by rapid prototyping techniques. An analysis of clinical needs has helped to specify proper requirements for such model properties as cost, strength, accuracy, elastic compliance, and optical transparency. Two different process chains, based on the fused deposition modelling technique and on the vacuum casting of thermoset resins in rubber moulds, have been tested for prototype fabrication. The use of anatomical models has allowed the cardiologist's confidence in patient selection, prosthesis fabrication, and final implantation to be significantly improved.

Three-dimensional printing in cardiology: Current applications and future challenges

“…However, both studies employed CT which is invasive for patients when acquiring raw data for 3D printing. In 2007, Schievano et al [10] and Armillotta et al [11] used MRI datasets to print several right ventricular outflow tract models for preoperative guidance of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation. 3D echocardiography was first used for 3D printing in 2014.…”

“…Unfortunately, scientific standards have not been developed to quantify the complexity of cardiovascular structures. It is not uncommon to see that when one cardiologist manufactures a 3D model of pulmonary stenosis [11], another cardiologist manufactures a 3D model of pulmonary stenosis, atrial septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, ventricular septal defect and d-transposition of the great arteries [28]. Many studies are case reports of rare diseases without control groups.…”

Rapid Prototyping for Training Purposes in Cardiovascular Surgery

“…However, its great potential to produce accurate models of heart and its structure of interest proves usefulness in cardiovascular surgery. Various studies using RP in adult and pediatric heart modeling have been already accomplished (Armillotta, Bonhoeffer et al 2007;Jacobs, Grunert et al 2008;Sodian, Weber et al 2008;Shiraishi, Yamagishi et al 2010). …”

A review of the issues surrounding three-dimensional computed tomography for medical modelling using rapid prototyping techniques

“…In maxillofacial surgery anything greater than one-millimetre of movement may render a model unusable 29 . Involuntary movement of the chest, neck, head or mouth can occur through breathing or swallowing.…”