Comparison of 3D Echocardiogram-Derived 3D Printed Valve Models to Molded Models for Simulated Repair of Pediatric Atrioventricular Valves

Adam B. Scanlan, Alex V. Nguyen, Anna Ilina, Andras Lasso, Linnea Cripe, Anusha Jegatheeswaran, Elizabeth Silvestro, Francis X. McGowan, Christopher E. Mascio, Stephanie Fuller, Thomas L. Spray, Meryl S. Cohen, Gabor Fichtinger, Matthew A. Jolley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mastering the technical skills required to perform pediatric cardiac valve surgery is challenging in part due to limited opportunity for practice. Transformation of 3D echocardiographic (echo) images of congenitally abnormal heart valves to realistic physical models could allow patient-specific simulation of surgical valve repair. We compared materials, processes, and costs for 3D printing and molding of patient-specific models for visualization and surgical simulation of congenitally abnormal heart valves. Pediatric atrioventricular valves (mitral, tricuspid, and common atrioventricular valve) were modeled from transthoracic 3D echo images using semi-automated methods implemented as custom modules in 3D Slicer. Valve models were then both 3D printed in soft materials and molded in silicone using 3D printed “negative” molds. Using pre-defined assessment criteria, valve models were evaluated by congenital cardiac surgeons to determine suitability for simulation. Surgeon assessment indicated that the molded valves had superior material properties for the purposes of simulation compared to directly printed valves (p < 0.01). Patient-specific, 3D echo-derived molded valves are a step toward realistic simulation of complex valve repairs but require more time and labor to create than directly printed models. Patient-specific simulation of valve repair in children using such models may be useful for surgical training and simulation of complex congenital cases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalPediatric Cardiology
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - Nov 27 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 3D echocardiography
  • 3D printing
  • Surgical simulation
  • Valve repair

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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