Abstract
3D printing allows the most realistic perception of the surgical anatomy of congenital heart diseases without the requirement of physical devices such as a computer screen or virtual headset. It is useful for surgical decision making and simulation, hands-on surgical training (HOST) and cardiovascular morphology teaching. 3D-printed models allow easy understanding of surgical morphology and preoperative surgical simulation. The most common indications for its clinical use include complex forms of double outlet right ventricle and transposition of the great arteries, anomalous systemic and pulmonary venous connections, and heterotaxy. Its utility in congenital heart surgery is indisputable, although it is hard to “scientifically” prove the impact of its use in surgery because of many confounding factors that contribute to the surgical outcome. 3D-printed models are valuable resources for morphology teaching. Educational models can be produced for almost all different variations of congenital heart diseases, and replicated in any number. HOST using 3D-printed models enables efficient education of surgeons in-training. Implementation of the HOST courses in congenital heart surgical training programs is not an option but an absolute necessity. In conclusion, 3D printing is entering the stage of maturation in its use for congenital heart surgery. It is now time for imagers and surgeons to find how to effectively utilize 3D printing and how to improve the quality of the products for improved patient outcomes and impact of education and training.
Highlights
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural heart diseases that are characterized by extremely wide anatomical variations and complexity with a number of individual pathologic entities that are only rarely encountered in practice
We focus our discussion on current applications, limitations and the future direction of 3D printing in congenital heart surgery
Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) angiograms provide the 3D image data that are best suited for 3D modeling and printing owing to excellent contrast and spatial resolutions
Summary
Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) are structural heart diseases that are characterized by extremely wide anatomical variations and complexity with a number of individual pathologic entities that are only rarely encountered in practice. CHDs usually require surgical treatment or catheter-based intervention that requires proper understanding of three-dimensional (3D) surgical anatomy. Understanding of these complex structures requires both 2D and 3D imaging. The more complex the structure, the higher the need for 3D demonstration This can be represented on a computer screen, in a simulated environment (i.e., virtual/augmented or mixed reality) or through physical 3D-printed models. Among these three paradigms of 3D demonstration, 3D printing allows the most realistic perception of the pathology without the requirement of devices such as a computer screen or virtual headset. The techniques for 3D modeling and printing are well-presented elsewhere [1, 10, 11]
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