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Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Cardiothoracic Applications of 3-dimensional Printing
Andreas A Giannopoulos1, Michael L Steigner, Elizabeth George
1*Applied Imaging Science Laboratory †Radiology Department, Division of Thoracic Imaging, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA ‡Department of Radiology, The University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
Medical 3D printing is revolutionizing cardiothoracic surgery by enabling precise surgical planning and creating patient-specific guides and implants. This innovative imaging technology enhances diagnostic accuracy and improves patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Biomedical Engineering
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Medical 3D printing is an emerging clinical tool for surgical planning.
- It facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration among engineers, radiologists, and surgeons.
- Standard imaging data (CT, MRI, echocardiography, angiography) are used to create anatomical models, implants, and guides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical relevance and applications of 3D printing in cardiothoracic surgery.
- To demonstrate the value of 3D printing in preoperative and intraoperative planning.
- To emphasize the potential of 3D printing to improve surgical outcomes and develop new procedures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing data from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and rotational angiography.
- Fabricating life-sized anatomical models, patient-specific implants, and surgical guides.
- Applying 3D printing to cardiovascular pathologies (congenital heart diseases, valvular and great vessel issues) and thoracic conditions (tumor invasion, airway diseases).
Main Results:
- Cardiovascular 3D models improve diagnosis and preoperative planning for congenital heart diseases and valve/vessel pathologies.
- 3D printing aids in planning both surgical and minimally invasive procedures, leading to better outcomes and reduced risk.
- Thoracic surgeons use 3D printing for tumor assessment and airway disease management, enabling quicker information assimilation and optimized surgical approaches.
- Patient-specific implants are emerging as a significant future application.
Conclusions:
- Cardiothoracic 3D printing is a rapidly evolving field with the potential to transform surgical practice.
- 3D-printed models enhance surgical planning, reduce operative time, and may lead to improved patient outcomes.
- Imagers skilled in this new imaging science are well-positioned to drive innovation in cardiothoracic care.
