Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026
Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Three-dimensional printed models for surgical planning of complex congenital heart defects: an international
Israel Valverde1,2,3,4, Gorka Gomez-Ciriza1, Tarique Hussain3,5
1Paediatric Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery and Technological Innovation Group, Hospital Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) models accurately replicate cardiovascular anatomy, enhancing surgical planning for complex congenital heart disease (CHD). While not altering decisions in most cases, 3D models refined surgical approaches in 19 complex CHD patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- 3D Printing Technology
Background:
- Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) presents significant challenges in surgical planning.
- Accurate anatomical representation is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes in CHD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of 3D printed models on surgical planning for complex congenital heart disease (CHD).
Main Methods:
- Prospective case-crossover study across 10 international centers with 40 complex CHD patients.
- 3D cardiovascular anatomy acquired via MRI/CT, with models fabricated using fused deposition modeling.
- Comparison of surgical decisions made with and without 3D model evaluation, alongside intraoperative findings.
Main Results:
- 3D models demonstrated high accuracy in replicating cardiovascular anatomy (mean bias -0.27 ± 0.73 mm).
- 96% of surgeons reported improved understanding of CHD morphology and surgical planning with 3D models.
- Surgical decisions were altered in 19 of 40 cases, leading to refined biventricular repairs or enabling successful biventricular repair in previously considered conservative/univentricular cases.
Conclusions:
- 3D models serve as accurate replicas of cardiovascular anatomy, significantly improving comprehension of complex CHD.
- While 3D models did not change surgical decisions in the majority of cases (52.5%), they were instrumental in redefining surgical approaches for 47.5% of complex CHD patients.
- The use of 3D models enhances surgical planning and can lead to improved correction strategies in complex congenital heart disease.
Objectives:
To evaluate the impact of 3D printed models (3D models) on surgical planning in complex congenital heart disease (CHD).
Methods:
A prospective case-crossover study involving 10 international centres and 40 patients with complex CHD (median age 3 years, range 1 month-34 years) was conducted. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography were used to acquire and segment the 3D cardiovascular anatomy. Models were fabricated by fused deposition modelling of polyurethane filament, and dimensions were compared with medical images. Decisions after the evaluation of routine clinical images were compared with those after inspection of the 3D model and intraoperative findings. Subjective satisfaction questionnaire was provided.
Results:
3D models accurately replicate anatomy with a mean bias of -0.27 ± 0.73 mm. Ninety-six percent of the surgeons agree or strongly agree that 3D models provided better understanding of CHD morphology and improved surgical planning. 3D models changed the surgical decision in 19 of the 40 cases. Consideration of a 3D model refined the planned biventricular repair, achieving an improved surgical correction in 8 cases. In 4 cases initially considered for conservative management or univentricular palliation, inspection of the 3D model enabled successful biventricular repair.
Conclusions:
3D models are accurate replicas of the cardiovascular anatomy and improve the understanding of complex CHD. 3D models did not change the surgical decision in most of the cases (21 of 40 cases, 52.5% cases). However, in 19 of the 40 selected complex cases, 3D model helped redefining the surgical approach.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Internal Receptors
02:00Internal Energy
01:29Internal Energy
01:23Sampling Plans
Random sampling is a method where each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. It involves selecting individuals randomly, often using random number generators or lottery-type methods. For example, when analyzing the properties of a...
01:23Lumber Defects
Shakes are minor fractures that run along or across the wood's annual rings, while wane is...
01:21Planning Nursing Care I