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Percutaneous Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement: Patient-specific Three-dimensional Computer-based Heart Model
Beatriz Vaquerizo1, Pascal Theriault-Lauzier2, Nicolo Piazza2
1Department of Medicine, Division of Interventional Cardiology, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada; Department of Cardiology, Division of Interventional Cardiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.
Severe mitral regurgitation affects many patients, but treatment is often delayed. Novel 3D modeling of the mitral valve aids in planning transcatheter mitral valve replacement, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Mitral regurgitation is the most common valvular heart disease globally.
- Many patients with severe mitral regurgitation are undertreated due to factors like left ventricular dysfunction and comorbidities.
- Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) offers an alternative to surgery but faces design and procedural challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel medical image-based processing tool for accurate, noninvasive assessment of the mitral valvular complex.
- To create precise 3D heart models for patient-specific analysis and procedural planning in TMVR.
- To enhance the understanding of mitral anatomy-pathophysiology-device interactions for advancing TMVR.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing patient-specific 3D computer-based models derived from medical imaging.
- Developing a processing tool for accurate, noninvasive assessment of mitral valve anatomy.
- Employing 3D printing technology to convert digital reconstructions into physical, patient-specific models.
Main Results:
- The tool facilitates accurate, noninvasive assessment of the mitral valvular complex.
- Precise 3D heart models are generated, enabling detailed anatomical evaluation.
- Physical 3D models allow for patient-specific assessment of device-patient interaction.
Conclusions:
- Patient-specific 3D heart models are crucial for refining TMVR device design and enhancing procedural planning.
- This approach provides new opportunities to understand mitral anatomy-pathophysiology-device interactions.
- The described tool and methodology are vital for the advancement of transcatheter mitral valve replacement.

