3D printing and modeling of congenital heart defects: A technical review

Abstract

Use of 3D printing technology is expanding in healthcare. One of the common applications is the creation of anatomical models of congenital heart defects (CHD) from medical image data. These patient-specific models are being used for multiple purposes including visualization of anatomy, simulation of surgical procedures, patient education, and facilitating communication between clinical staff. The process for creating CHD models begins with acquiring volumetric image data that is segmented using medical image processing software. A virtual 3D model is calculated based on the segmented data which can be further refined using computer-aided design software. Last, the virtual model is transferred to a 3D printer for production. By obtaining detailed knowledge on the process for creating patient-specific CHD anatomical models, institutions can implement the technology in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Advanced Medical Use of Three-Dimensional Imaging in Congenital Heart Disease: Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, Virtual Reality, and Three-Dimensional Printing

“…The refined STL files are loaded into a 3D printer, then printing is started with appropriately selected materials. A variety of 3D printing technologies are available in cardiovascular medicine, including fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, stereolithography, material jetting, and injection molding; the details have been already described elsewhere (4,(38)(39)(40). A wide range of printing materials may be selected, including plastic (resin), silicone, nylon, and metal, as needed, and are primarily divided into rigid vs. soft rubber-like materials, opaque vs. transparent, and single-color vs. multi-color (4,(38)(39)(40)(41)(42)(43).…”

3D-bioprinting of aortic valve interstitial cells: impact of hydrogel and printing parameters on cell viability

“…Additive manufacturing is increasingly utilized in cardiovascular medicine [15]. However, it mainly focuses on processing artificial models for planning of operative and interventional procedures [16][17][18]. In contrast, 3D-bioprinting processes biocompatible and living scaffolds that may outreach conventional 2D as well as 3D cell culture [19][20][21].…”