Applications of 3D printing in percutaneous closure of aortic to right ventricle fistula after transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A case report

Abstract Background Percutaneous closure of aortic-to-right ventricle (ARV) fistula has emerged as an alternative to surgical management in selected cases. The use of 3D printing in interventional planning for structural heart disease provides a concrete understanding and it is useful in diagnostic assessment, guide treatment approaches and simulate procedures. Case Presentation We report a case of a 70-year-old male presenting in cardiogenic shock due to severe aortic stenosis and reduced left ventricle ejection fraction. The patient had several comorbidities and was deemed not eligible for cardiac surgery. After transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an ARV fistula was discovered on the transthoracic echocardiography. Due to complex anatomical considerations, 3D printed model of the patient’s anatomy was employed to supplement the decision-making process and technical planning of percutaneous ARV closure. Successful closure of the fistula with the use of the Amplatzer atrial septal occluder was subsequently performed. Conclusions 3D printing improves the understanding of complex structures of cardiac diseases, allowing for enhanced planning and simulation of the procedure. This case, demonstrating the effective percutaneous closure of a TAVR-related ARV fistula facilitated by the use of 3D printed anatomical models in the pre-procedural phase, highlights the technology's potential in advancing patient-specific treatment approaches.