3D Printing from Cardiac Computed Tomography for Procedural Planning

Purpose of Review: Computed tomography (CT)-based three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging field in preoperative visualization of the cardiac anatomy, procedure planning, and simulations of heart surgeries. This article summarizes the uses of 3D-printed models in preoperative cardiac procedure planning and intraprocedural navigation during surgeries organized on a case-by-case basis. Recent Findings: The 3D models have recently been shown to aid in a variety of procedures. Some of these include valvular replacement or repair, management of paravalvular leaks, left atrial appendage closure, myectomy in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac aneurysm repair, tumor resection, and surgical planning in congenital heart lesions. Summary: We anticipate that 3D models will become more accessible, and their utilization will increase in the near future. However, CT-based 3D printing will require further assessment with multicenter-based studies. Multicenter explorations will allow for consensus and standardization of such potentially useful tools, given the vast availability of printing and imaging techniques currently available.