3D Modelling and Printing Technology to Produce Patient-Specific 3D Models

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Modeling
• Cardiovascular Engineering
• 3D Printing Technology

Background:

• Accurate mitral valve (MV) anatomy knowledge is vital for diagnosing MV disease.
• Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing for MV assessment is emerging but needs further validation.
• This research focuses on assessing and validating 3D modeling and printing for patient-specific MV models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a prototype method for creating patient-specific 3D mitral valve (MV) models.
• To assess the precision of different 3D printing techniques for MV models.
• To evaluate the clinical utility and perceived value of 3D printed MV models among cardiac health professionals (CHPs).

Main Methods:

• A prototype 3D modeling and printing method was developed using computed tomography (CT) scans of a plastinated heart.
• Four distinct 3D printing methods were employed to create MV models, with precision validation.
• Patient-specific 3D models were generated from CT and 3D echocardiography data of four MV disease patients.
• A survey of 40 CHPs assessed the perceived value and potential clinical applications of the 3D models.

Main Results:

• The prototype method achieved submillimetre precision across all four tested 3D printing techniques.
• Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in precision among the printing methods (p<0.05).
• CHPs found patient-specific 3D printed models, especially those using multiple materials, valuable for preoperative planning, teaching, and training.

Conclusions:

• Patient-specific 3D mitral valve (MV) models hold significant potential as a clinical tool, pending technological advancements.
• The study underscores the versatility of 3D printing technology for diverse applications in both clinical and educational medical settings.