3D Printing for Cardiovascular Surgery and Intervention: A Review Article

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Medical Technology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• 3D printing technology offers diverse applications across various fields.
• Its use in adult heart disease spans preoperative planning, medical education, and clinical consultations.
• Current applications focus on improving surgical planning, decision-making, and reducing risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of 3D printing technology in cardiac surgery and interventions.
• To explore the role of 3D-printed models in understanding cardiac anatomy and planning procedures.
• To assess the potential of 3D printing as an educational tool for surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on 3D printing applications in cardiac surgery.
• Analysis of how 3D-printed models aid in understanding intracardiac anatomy and spatial geometry.
• Evaluation of 3D printing's role in preoperative strategizing, simulation, and medical instruction.

Main Results:

• 3D-printed models improve understanding of complex cardiac anatomy and spatial relationships.
• The technology aids in preoperative planning, intraoperative decision-making, and risk minimization.
• 3D printing serves as an effective educational tool for surgeons with limited practical experience.

Conclusions:

• 3D printing significantly enhances surgical planning and provides valuable insights into cardiac pathologies.
• It offers a promising avenue for improving surgical accuracy and quality of treatment.
• Further research, including controlled trials, is needed to establish the impact on long-term outcomes and safety.