Using 3D Physical Modeling to Plan Surgical Corrections of Complex Congenital Heart Defects

Background Understanding the anatomy and physiology of congenital heart defects is crucial for planning interventions in these patients. Congenital heart procedures often involve complex three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions. Excellent imaging techniques are required to depict all anatomical details. We have used and evaluated fast 3D prototyping technology for reconstruction and planning of corrections of complex congenital heart defects. Materials and Methods 3D physical models were constructed from contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) datasets of patients with complex congenital heart defect. Two different commercially available printing technologies were used and their clinical application compared. Results Physical models of three different patients were used for preoperative surgical planning. All models showed good correspondence to patient anatomy. Both printing technologies gave excellent results. Conclusion Physical models could be easily constructed with the use of CT datasets. The printing process could be done efficiently, quite rapidly, and cost effectively. Surgical corrections could be planned based on these models.