Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training

Three dimensional models can be a valuable tool for surgeons as they develop surgical plans and medical fellows learn about complex cases. In particular, 3D play an important role in the field of cardiology, where congenital heart diseases occur. While many printers provide anatomically correct detailed models, existing printing materials fail to replicate myocardial tissue properties extremely costly. This protocol aims process creation patient-specific defects using low-cost silicone that more closely matches cardiac muscle properties. With improved model fidelity, actual procedural training could occur advance procedure. Successful begins with segmentation radiologic images generate virtual blood pool (blood fills chambers heart) mold. The mold are printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), plastic dissolvable acetone. is assembled around pool, creating negative space simulating myocardium. Silicone shore hardness 2A poured into allowed cure. removed, remaining silicone/blood submerged described results physical which all features, including intra-cardiac defects, represented realistic approximated than direct approach. successful correction ventricular septal defect (VSD) GORE-TEX patch (standard intervention defect) demonstrates utility method.