Three-dimensional anatomical modeling of cases with atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect, which are congenital heart anomalies

Aim: In this study, surgical approaches were determined by making 3D anatomical modelling of paediatric cases with congenital atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defects using computed tomography data. Material and Methods: Computed Tomography Angiography data from ten male and ten female patients with congenital atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect were utilizsed in the present study. After obtaining the computed tomography images of the patients in DICOM format, 3D anatomical modelling was built by transferring them to the three-dimensional modelling software MIMICS 20.01 (The Materialise Group, Leuven, Belgium). Then, 3D printers generated a 3D-printed heart model. Results: The intracardiac and vascular structures of different types of congenital heart diseases, such as atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect were imaged through the 3D organ models. Then, conclusions were drawn about interventional or surgical procedures that can be followed for the restoration of atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect. Discussion: The three-dimensional modelling of the intracardiac structure, performed in this study, enables better imaging of the defects or pathologies and easier follow-up of the the course of the disease and provides great support to the preoperative planning of paediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons. Thisese modelling helps to observe the risks of complicated surgeries in more detail. This allows to identify operational risks and take surgical actions and the duration of the operation can be shortened through patient-specific planning. When cumulatively assessed, this method reduces the costs. Another significant advantage of these outcomes is their use in patient education in addition to the education of assistants and medical students. Additionally, 3D printing material systems, integrated functional applications, the state-of-the-art technology products in patient-specific organ models, limitations in the field, current status and future perspectives were comprehensively discussed.