A Simple Model for Variant Congenital Cardiac Anomalies

Abstract

Traditionally, echocardiography, computed tomography and angiocardiography are used to detect the anatomy of congenital cardiac defects. Either pediatric cardiologists or cardiac surgeons mentally reconstruct these images into a vague imaginary three-dimensional heart, but such an image usually includes unnecessary surrounding structures which may mask the defects to be detected. We use a perspective view model to draw a more stereoscopic picture of complex hearts instead of the simple two-dimensional sketch. With this model we have the ability to display cardiovascular anatomy in a three-dimensional structure to increase the understanding and appreciation of the complex spatial relationships in the majority of congenital hearts. Through these drawn images the physiology and structural defects of hearts may be understood more easily and explained more clearly in comparison to two-dimensional representations. The simple perspective drawing is not used to replace the three-dimensional examinations, but it is helpful in reconstructing a model of the heart based on the information we obtain through serial examinations, and such a model may be used to teach medical students, as well as to explain defects to patients' families.