A Novel Method to Adjust Saphenous Vein Graft Lengths Using 3D Printing Models

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Optimal saphenous vein graft length is critical for graft patency in coronary revascularization.
• Accurate graft length measurement presents a surgical challenge.
• This study investigates the utility of 3D printing for determining optimal graft length.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the accuracy of 3D printing in measuring saphenous vein graft length.
• To compare 3D printing measurements with conventional methods.
• To assess the potential of 3D printing to optimize graft length determination.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen patients undergoing bypass surgery with vein grafts were included.
• Graft lengths were measured using postoperative CT, manual 3D printed models, and Mimics software segmentation.
• Measurements were compared using statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant difference was found between the three measurement methods (P < .001).
• Actual graft measurements were longer than those from manual 3D printed models.
• Measurements from 3D printed models and Mimics software segmentation were similar (P > .05).

Conclusions:

• 3D printing models and associated software can accurately determine optimal saphenous vein graft length.
• This technology may help identify optimal anastomosis sites, potentially decreasing operation time.
• 3D printing offers a promising approach to reduce operator-dependent variables in graft adjustment.