Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Combining 3D-Printing and Electrospinning to Manufacture Biomimetic Heart Valve Leaflets
Published on: March 23, 2022
3D-printed heart model to guide LAA closure: useful in clinical practice?
Anne-Lise Hachulla1, Stéphane Noble2, Gabriel Guglielmi3
1Division of Radiology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1291, Geneva, Switzerland. anne-lise.hachullalemaire@hcuge.ch.
Objectives:
Correct device sizing for left atrial appendage (LAA) closure remains challenging due to complex LAA shapes. The aim of our study was to investigative the utility of personalized 3D-printed models (P3DPM) of the LAA to guide device size selection.
Methods:
Fifteen patients (75.4 ±8.5years) scheduled for LAA closure using an Amulet device underwent cardiac computed tomography (CT). The LAA was segmented by semiautomatic algorithms using Vitrea® software. A 1.5-mm LAA thick shell was exported in stereolithography format and printed using TangoPlus flexible material. Different Amulet device sizes on the P3DPM were tested. New P3DPM-CT with the device was acquired in order to appreciate the proximal disc sealing the LAA ostium and the compression of the distal lobe within the LAA. We predicted the device size with P3DPM and compared this with the device sizes predicted by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and CT as well as the device size implanted in patients.
Results:
The device size predicted by 3D-TEE and CT corresponded to the implanted device size in 8/15 (53%) and 10/15 (67%), respectively. The predicted device size from the P3DPM was accurate in all patients, obtaining perfect contact with the LAA wall, without device instability or excessive compression. P3DPM-CT with the deployed device showed device deformation and positioning of the disk in relation to the pulmonary veins, allowing us to determine the best device size in all 15 cases.
Conclusion:
P3DPM allowed us to simulate the LAA closure procedure and thus helped to identify the best Amulet size and position within the LAA.
Key Points:
• A 3D-printed heart model allows to simulate the LAA closure procedure. • A 3D-printed heart model allowed to identify the optimal Amulet size and position. • 3D-printed heart models may contribute to reduce the Amulet implantation learning curve.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
Anatomy of the Heart
Characteristics of Practical Op Amps
The ratio of differential gain to the common-mode gain is defined as the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR). This ratio quantifies the ability of operational amplifiers (op-amps) to reject common-mode...
Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...

