20 Benefits of 3D printing in planning and communication in adult cardiac surgery: a pilot study

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> 3D printing is now cost effective and, with specialist companies handling the complexity of making models, it is now relatively easy to get an accurate surgical model printed. Simulation surgery is now becoming a reality to highlight areas of concern in an operation. Some orthopaedic surgeons are using models to practice the operation before ever laying a hand on a patient, so the authors wanted to investigate if 3D printed models would help with planning and communication in adult cardiac surgery. <h3>Methods</h3> A local company who prints 3D medical models was given a stimulus grant to from June 2020 to March 2021. They were able to offer models for free to local specialist surgery departments. When the surgery was complete an online assessment form was completed to review the helpfulness of the models, and all of these forms were collated from the company for the cardiac models ordered during the study period. The data was analysed in Microsoft Excel. CT scans were sent electronically to the company. They created the model using proprietary software and an interactive model was sent to the surgeon using sketchfab. This was viewed by the requesting surgeon who made changes as necessary. When the model was approved it was then printed. Different materials could be requested differing in flexibility to opacity. The company used Formlabs 2 and Formlabs 3B printers. <h3>Results</h3> Sixteen 3D Models were made to aid planning of adult cardiac surgery, 6 for valve surgery, 4 for aortic root surgery, 4 for CABG surgery, 1 for a myxoma and 1 case for post-infarction VSD. In 9 cases (56%), the surgeon changed their plan for the surgery after viewing the model and in 2 cases (12%) it changed the diagnosis. In 15 cases (94%) the model was felt to have a positive effect on patient safety and in all cases it was felt to be helpful for communication with other surgeons and trainees. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our pilot study suggests that 3D printed models have the potential to improve safety and communication in certain types of adult cardiac surgery and merit further study. Link to interactive image https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/p03018-db0590ae83954351877edcc38776e6a2.

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