Imaging technology improves decision-making for complex cardiac procedures
What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. At Beaumont Health, we leverage 3D printing technology in preparation for complex cardiac procedures. The clinical team produces a replica of your heart anatomy allowing physicians to look into your heart and better plan cardiac procedures.
Why does your heart and vascular team leverage 3D printing?
Beaumont cardiovascular patients in need of structural heart procedures will get personalized treatment with 3D technology. 3D printing technology allows physicians to design custom parts on demand, practice procedures, and improve pre-operative planning. In cardiology, 3D models can help determine the course of action physicians should take for patients in need of heart valve replacement surgery. The result is shorter procedures, quicker recovery times, and a higher quality of life.
Conditions where 3D imaging and printing technology can help include mitral valve disease, aortic valve disease, left atrial appendage closure, tricuspid valve disease, pulmonic valve disease, congenital heart disease, and perivalvular leak.
How is 3D printing done?
Beaumont leverages the most up to date imaging technology, including 3D or 4D echo, computed tomography (CT), and MRI to obtain 3D images of the heart. Using this digital data, we print an exact replica of your heart. Advanced printing technology uses the 3D images to create the heart model by laying down layers of plastic.