3D Systems’ cardiology training, surgical planning

Rock Hill, South Carolina – 3D Systems officials announce the introduction of advanced cardiology-training modules for the ANGIO Mentor VR simulator, together with a cardiovascular anatomical model product line that allows visualization of complex cardiovascular anatomy.

During the last decade, developments in interventional cardiology have allowed more patients to be treated using minimally invasive Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) procedures. In order to provide experienced cardiologists with training for the most up-to-date and complex treatment techniques with PCI, 3DS has developed advanced training scenarios for Coronary CTO (Chronic Total Occlusion) and Coronary Bifurcation cases for use with its ANGIO Mentor endovascular training simulator. Watch a video of an ANGIO Mentor Advanced Coronary Interventions Simulation here.

In addition, the company's patient-specific cardiovascular anatomical models can be used to enhance planning in complex procedures. 3DS' cardiovascular anatomical modeling service uses patient-specific imaging data from CT or MR scans to design a patient-specific model that can be 3D printed in a variety of materials. These models are suitable for use as pre-surgical planning tools, educational resources, and benchtop fixtures for testing of instruments and implants.

"We have collaborated with 3D Systems to print 3D models of complex congenital heart disease," said Shafkat Anwar, MD and assistant professor of pediatrics, division of cardiology at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "These models play an important role in patient care, from surgical planning to trainee and patient/family education. I believe 3D printing is a leap in the evolution of personalized medicine, and will hopefully improve patient outcomes. 3D Systems has been a vital partner for us in this initiative."

Life-size tactile heart models printed using 3DS' ColorJet Printing (CJP) technology enable a rich, full color 3D illustration of cardiac structures, making complex congenital heart defects easier to visualize and understand. At the same time, a growing number of doctors are using translucent models of vasculature with selective coloration of calcific deposits printed in Stereolithography (SLA) to prepare for surgical procedures and implants.

3DS offers an end-to-end digital thread that helps doctors achieve better patient outcomes by integrating surgical simulation, training, planning, and printing of anatomical models, surgical instruments, and medical devices.

Source: 3D Systems