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Published on: November 1, 2018
Case Report: Three-Dimensional Printing-Assisted Surgical Treatment of Complex Body Vein Ectopic Drainage
Luyao Wei1, Guowen Sun2, Qin Wu3
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
Insights
Complex congenital vein drainage requires advanced imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) printing and flexible intubation strategies improve surgical success for this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Complex ectopic drainage of body veins is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Accurate preoperative diagnosis and surgical planning present significant challenges.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old patient underwent precise diagnosis using transthoracic echocardiography, CT, and 3D reconstruction.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing of the heart and great vessels was utilized for surgical planning.
- The surgical procedure was successfully completed employing flexible intraoperative intubation techniques.
Findings:
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology aids in developing surgical protocols for complex ectopic venous drainage.
- Flexible intubation strategies enhance the success rate of surgical interventions.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential of advanced imaging and 3D printing in managing rare congenital vascular malformations.
- The successful application of flexible intubation strategies offers a valuable approach for complex surgical cases.
Introduction:
Complex ectopic drainage of body veins is a rare congenital disease. Its preoperative diagnosis and surgical choice can be considerable challenges.
Case Summary:
A 5-year-old patient was diagnosed precisely by preoperative transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, and three-dimensional (3D) printing of the heart and great blood vessels. The operation was performed successfully using flexible intraoperative intubation strategies.
Conclusion:
3D printing technology can assist in the formulation of surgical protocols for complex body vein ectopic drainage. Flexible intubation strategies can increase the success of the operation.

