P31: Case Series on Computational Modeling and 3D Printing Technologies Applied to Cardiology

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) modeling is an emerging technology for complex cardiologic cases, recently integrated into diagnostic imaging modalities. We present some cases from our cardiac hospital in Bogotá-Colombia, in which 3D models were used for education, research or surgical planning. For all cases, images were obtained from computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3D anatomic models were built by engineers and validated by a clinical specialist in cardiovascular imaging. Clinicians used the 3D models (digital or 3D printed as requested) and assessed their value through surveys and interviews. These instruments aimed to compare 2D imaging and 3D technologies in terms of value added for complex cases. This series included 30 cases (7 were clinical, 4 educational, and 19 for research). Surveys and interviews results suggest a potential benefit of 3D technologies for: a) improving understanding of complex anatomies, b) helping surgical planning, c) becoming a strategy for medical educational settings, and d) boosting communication between health care workers and patients. As an interesting finding, 3D models (computational or printed) were not valuable for very experienced cardiovascular surgeons, since models do not make them change the planned approach. Although models did contribute to clinical care by confirming the plan, and facilitating this process from a predictive point of view. Similarly, these surgeons considered 3D models useful to train medical students and to improve communication among the surgical team. As a conclusion, this series allows us to implement these 3D technologies in the clinical workflow, adding value to some already established processes within clinical institutions. However, it is necessary to establish quality and control systems in the generation and fabrication of 3D models, and evaluate the financial sustainability of such models.