Biomedical
Utility of Three-Dimensional Printed Model in Biventricular Repair of Complex Congenital Cardiac Defects: Case Report and Review of Literature
Lauren Betancourt,
Lauren Betancourt
Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Si Wong,
Harinder Singh,
Harinder Singh
Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Daniel Nento,
Arpit Agarwal
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Heterotaxy is a rare syndrome associated with cardiac complexity, anatomic variability and high morbidity and mortality. It is often challenging to visualize and provide an accurate diagnosis of the cardiac anatomy prior to surgery with the use of conventional imaging techniques. We report a unique case demonstrating how the use of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac printed model allowed us to better understand the anatomical complexity and plan a tailored surgical approach for successful biventricular repair in a patient with heterotaxy syndrome.
Key Questions
What is heterotaxy syndrome, and why is it so hard to diagnose and treat?
Heterotaxy syndrome is a rare condition where the internal organs are arranged abnormally, often leading to complex heart defects. Because the anatomy can vary so much from person to person, it’s really tricky to get a clear picture of what’s going on inside the body using standard imaging methods. This makes both diagnosis and treatment planning a big challenge.
How did doctors use a 3D-printed heart model in this case?
In this case, doctors created a 3D-printed model of the patient’s heart to get a better look at its complex structure. Unlike traditional imaging, which can be hard to interpret, the 3D model gave them a physical, hands-on way to study the heart’s unique anatomy. This helped them figure out the best way to approach surgery.
What happened after they used the 3D model for planning?
Thanks to the 3D model, the surgical team was able to successfully perform a biventricular repair—a procedure to fix both sides of the heart. The model gave them a clear understanding of the heart’s structure, which made the surgery more precise and effective.
Why aren’t regular imaging techniques enough for heterotaxy syndrome?
Regular imaging techniques, like 2D echocardiograms or MRIs, often don’t capture the full picture when it comes to heterotaxy syndrome. The heart’s anatomy can be so unusual and complicated that these methods might miss important details, making it harder to plan surgery accurately.
What’s so great about 3D printing for heart surgery?
3D printing lets doctors create a physical replica of a patient’s heart, which they can hold, examine, and even practice on before the actual surgery. This is especially helpful for rare and complex cases, like heterotaxy syndrome, where every detail matters. It’s like having a roadmap before heading into uncharted territory.
What does this case tell us about the future of surgery?
This case shows how 3D printing could change the game for surgical planning, especially for rare and complicated conditions. By giving surgeons a clearer, more detailed view of the anatomy, 3D models could become a key tool for improving outcomes in challenging surgeries.
