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Three-Dimensional Virtual and Printed Prototypes in Complex Congenital and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery-A
Laszlo Kiraly1,2,3,4, Nishant C Shah5, Osama Abdullah6
1Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Sciences, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 51900, United Arab Emirates.
Biomolecules
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing of heart models aids complex congenital cardiac surgery planning. These patient-specific 3D models improve surgical strategy and team communication, enhancing patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Medical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Three-dimensional (3D) virtual modeling and printing are advancing personalized medicine and surgical procedures.
- In congenital cardiac surgery, 3D models offer enhanced understanding of complex anatomy and facilitate preoperative planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a single-center team-learning experience on the creation and validation of 3D-printed models for surgical planning in complex congenital cardiac surgery.
- To assess the clinical benefits and accuracy of 3D-printed prototypes in complex intracardiac repairs.
Main Methods:
- CT-angiography data were segmented to create 3D virtual models of the heart and great vessels.
- Rigid and flexible 3D-printed prototypes were produced for 15 complex congenital cardiac surgery cases.
- Model accuracy was evaluated intraoperatively, and surgical plans were rehearsed on the models.
Main Results:
- 3D models demonstrated high accuracy, with parity to intraoperative structures within 1 mm.
- Models refined diagnostics in 13/15 cases and provided new anatomical insights in 9/15.
- Preoperative rehearsal on 3D models led to improved operative plans and surgical approach modifications in 13/15 complex cases, with no operative morbidity or mortality.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed models serve as valuable team-learning tools, significantly contributing to the safety and planning of complex congenital cardiac surgeries.
- A clinical/research partnership is crucial for covering costs not covered by insurance, potentially paving the way for future bioprinting applications.
