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Modern tools in congenital heart disease imaging and procedure planning: a European survey
Marvin Iannotta1, Fabio Angelo d'Aiello1,2, Alexander Van De Bruaene3
1Pediatric and Adult Congenital Heart Centre, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.
Insights
Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies are increasingly used in European centers for congenital heart diseases (CHDs), though not yet routine. Further research is needed to establish clinical recommendations for their use in CHD patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Diseases
Background:
- Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) present complex 3D anatomies requiring thorough understanding for effective patient management.
- Three-dimensional (3D) imaging technologies offer potential to improve physicians' comprehension of these complex spatial anatomies.
- Current clinical applications and evidence for 3D technologies in CHD management are limited due to their recent introduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the current utilization of 3D imaging technologies in European centers specializing in congenital heart diseases.
- To assess the adoption rates and specific applications of various 3D technologies in clinical practice for CHDs.
Main Methods:
- An online, self-administered survey was distributed to European centers.
- Data collection occurred between January and June 2022 using SurveyMonkey.
- Responses from 98 centers were analyzed regarding 3D technology use.
Main Results:
- Ninety-eight European centers participated in the survey.
- Key 3D technologies utilized include 3D rotational angiography (22 centers), in-silico model printing (43 centers), and holographic/virtual reality visualization (22 centers).
- Funding for these technologies primarily came from hospital or departmental budgets.
Conclusions:
- 3D imaging technologies are relatively widespread across European centers for CHDs but are not yet standard practice.
- There is insufficient evidence to confirm the improvement of clinical management for CHD patients using these technologies.
- Further research is essential to develop clinical guidelines for the effective implementation of 3D imaging in medical practice for CHDs.
Aims:
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) often show a complex 3D anatomy that must be well understood to assess the pathophysiological consequences and to guide therapy. Three-dimensional imaging technologies have the potential to enhance the physician's comprehension of such spatially complex anatomies. Unfortunately, due to the new introduction in clinical practice, there is no evidence on the current applications. We conducted a survey to examine how 3D technologies are currently used among CHD European centres.
Methods:
Data were collected using an online self-administered survey via SurveyMonkey. The questionnaire was sent via e-mail and the responses were collected between January and June 2022.
Results:
Ninety-eight centres correctly completed the survey. Of these, 22 regularly perform 3D rotational angiography, 43 have the availability to print in-silico models, and 22 have the possibility to visualize holographic imaging/virtual reality. The costs were mostly covered by the hospital or the department of financial resources.
Conclusion:
From our survey, it emerges that these technologies are quite spread across Europe, despite not being part of a routine practice. In addition, there are still not enough data supporting the improvement of clinical management for CHD patients. For this reason, further studies are needed to develop clinical recommendations for the use of 3D imaging technologies in medical practice.
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