Virtual and real septal myectomy using 3-dimensional printed models

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Extended septal myectomy is a surgical procedure to treat obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
• Accurate pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance are crucial for effective septal myectomy.
• Current methods for surgical planning may have limitations in visualizing complex cardiac anatomy.

Observation:

• Two cases utilized low-cost 3D printed models of the interventricular septum for surgical planning.
• The 3D models facilitated visualization of the septum and planning of the resection volume and shape.
• Mechanical or virtual myectomy was performed based on the 3D printed models.

Findings:

• 3D printed models provided excellent cardiac imaging and planning capabilities for septal resection.
• The models allowed for precise determination of the optimal volume and shape for myectomy.
• Intraoperative quality control was achieved by comparing excised myocardium to a trough in the 3D printed septum.

Implications:

• Low-cost 3D printing offers a valuable tool for enhancing surgical planning in cardiovascular procedures.
• This approach can improve the precision and effectiveness of extended septal myectomy.
• 3D modeling may lead to better patient outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy by optimizing surgical resection.