Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
Using Multimodality Imaging and 3-Dimensional Printed Models to Guide Decision-Making for Complex Congenital
Sukran Erdem1, Munes Fares1, Felipe Murguia1
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Background:
Determining the optimal surgical approach for complex congenital heart disease (CHD) can be challenging using conventional 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cross-sectional imaging, including cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and computed tomography.
Case Summary:
An 11-month-old female patient presented with heterotaxy syndrome, dextrocardia, double-outlet right ventricle, and complex pulmonary valve stenosis. Fetal echocardiography and postnatal TTE established the complexity of the cardiac anatomy and led to a multidisciplinary discussion to plan a complex staged cardiac repair.
Discussion:
Three-dimensional (3D) printed and virtual heart models, along with CMR angiography, provided detailed anatomical visualization and spatial conceptualization, which aided in assessing the feasibility of a staged biventricular repair. Postoperative CMR guided subsequent surgical procedures, evaluated newly created structures such as baffles, and identified complications.
Take-Home Message:
This case highlights the critical role of multimodality imaging, including advanced imaging with virtual and 3D printed modeling, in surgical planning in a patient with complex CHD.
