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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Simulative operation on congenital heart disease using rubber-like urethane stereolithographic biomodels based on 3D
Isao Shiraishi1, Masaaki Yamagishi, Kenji Hamaoka
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, National Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan. sao@hsp.ncvc.go.jp
Objective:
Stereolithographic biomodelling is a technique where photosensitive liquid resin is polymerised with a pinpoint laser beam controlled by three-dimensional (3D) datasets. This study was designed to assess whether a stereolithographic biomodelling technique is applicable for precise anatomical diagnosis and simulation surgery of complicated congenital heart disease.
Methods:
Twelve stereolithographic biomodels were manufactured with multislice computed tomography (MSCT)-based 3D datasets. They were made of photosensitive liquid epoxy or urethane.
Results:
All the solid epoxy and rubber-like urethane biomodels reproduced the complex anatomical structures of the arteries and veins in congenital heart diseases. Furthermore, the rubber-like urethane biomodels allowed the surgeon to cut and suture, thus facilitating the simulation of the surgical operation.
Conclusions:
Stereolithographic biomodelling is a promising technique for the preoperative practice and simulation of individual surgery. This technique would be useful in the planning of novel and innovative surgical procedures of congenital heart disease.
