Chapter 6 - Valvular Heart Disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular three-dimensional (3D) printing is particularly suited for the study and management of cardiac valve pathology. The application of 3D printing to the personalized treatment of patients with cardiac valve pathology is rapidly progressing. Using high-quality volumetric data from advanced cross-sectional imaging and echocardiography, anatomic modeling with 3D printing can help better assess cardiac valve function, plan structural interventions, and test percutaneous structural devices. However, while 3D printing undoubtedly provides unique information, it has not yet been demonstrated to affect clinical outcome. In the meantime, all aspects of heart valve anatomic modeling with 3D printing must be further optimized. The hope is that materials similar to native human tissues will be developed so that anatomic and functional modeling with 3D printing will allow design and testing of biologically adaptable and patient-specific cardiac valve prosthesis.