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Updated: Jan 2, 2026
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Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
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Preoperative simulation for complex transposition of great arteries using a three-dimensional model.
Shinya Yokoyama1, Ryohei Fukuba1, Kazuhiro Mitani1
1Congenital Heart Disease Center, Surgery Division, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Nara, Japan.
Cardiology in the Young
|December 14, 2019
Summary
A 3D model created from CT scans precisely simulated complex congenital heart defects in a neonate. This innovative approach aided surgical planning for transposition of great arteries and other critical cardiac anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Congenital heart defects require precise surgical planning.
- Computed tomography (CT) provides detailed anatomical information.
- Three-dimensional (3D) modeling can enhance surgical visualization.
Observation:
- A 2.2-kg neonate presented with complex cardiac anomalies including transposition of great arteries, coarctation of the aorta, and abnormal pulmonary artery branching.
- A preoperative cast was prepared using the patient's CT data.
Findings:
- The 3D model accurately depicted the unusual orientation of the great arteries and associated defects.
- The model facilitated a precise simulation of surgical maneuvers.
- The cast was easy to handle and useful for preoperative planning.
Implications:
- 3D modeling from CT data offers a valuable tool for complex pediatric cardiac surgery.
- Enhanced visualization improves surgical strategy and potentially patient outcomes.
- This technique can be applied to other challenging congenital heart disease cases.
