3D printing in aortic endovascular therapies

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Medical Imaging
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Endovascular treatment for aortic diseases (aneurysm, dissection) is rapidly advancing.
• Complex patient anatomy presents challenges in traditional endovascular aortic repair.
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing) offers solutions for visualizing and planning complex cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current applications of 3D printing in endovascular aortic disease management.
• To discuss the process, limitations, and future of 3D printing in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on 3D printing in endovascular aortic repair.
• Analysis of the benefits of 3D printed models for operative planning and training.

Main Results:

• 3D printing enables the creation of precise physical models from patient-specific complex aortic anatomy.
• These models enhance presurgical planning and provide valuable preoperative training tools for complex endovascular aortic procedures.
• Current uses include adjuncts for planning and training modules for surgical fellows and residents.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing is a valuable tool in the endovascular management of complex aortic diseases.
• Its application in operative planning and training is expanding.
• Future directions may further enhance its role in improving patient outcomes.