Beyond one-size-fits-all: Customised implants for interventional cardiac procedures planning

Three-dimensional (3D) visualisation and printing are set to revolutionise interventional cardiology by offering unparalleled insights into cardiac anatomy. Despite significant advancements, current imaging techniques still have limitations. Traditional 2D imaging often fails to provide a comprehensive spatial understanding of the heart, making it difficult for physicians to accurately plan complex procedures.

Even with the advent of 3D imaging, notable challenges remain in understanding cardiac anatomy. One major limitation is image resolution—despite advancements, current 3D imaging techniques may not always capture fine details of cardiac structures, potentially leading to incomplete or misleading information.

Additionally, interpreting 3D images requires significant expertise and familiarity with the technology. Not all medical professionals have the necessary training or experience, which can lead to misinterpretations or over-reliance on the technology without critically assessing its limitations.

Given these imaging gaps, it is crucial to continue refining 3D imaging technologies to fully harness their potential in improving cardiac procedural planning and patient outcomes.

Bridging the imaging gap

Cardiac interventions are inherently complex due to the intricate anatomy and variability of cardiac pathologies. Modern imaging techniques, including 3D printing, are bridging this gap by providing accurate 3D renderings of cardiac structures. These models are used not only for surgical planning but also for designing customised anatomical implants and prosthetics, enhancing the feasibility and success of interventions.

Procedural planning

Advancements in radiological imaging have significantly improved pre-procedural planning. For instance, in cases of aortic aneurysms or coronary blockages—conditions that can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated—high-resolution 3D imaging enables surgeons to visualise the exact size and location of the abnormality in detail. Enhanced visualisation goes a step further by creating immersive 3D models, allowing for precise segmentation and a clearer understanding of the aneurysm’s relationship with surrounding structures. This technique is invaluable for surgical discussions and planning, providing a realistic anatomical preview that helps tailor interventions, mitigate risks, and improve outcomes.

3D Printing

3D printing further complements imaging advancements by producing accurate physical models of coronary arteries. Surgeons can use these models to plan and rehearse procedures, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting, ensuring they are tailored to the patient’s unique anatomy. Practising on these models helps refine surgical techniques, anticipate challenges, and enhance precision, ultimately improving intervention success rates.

Future advancements

Integration with advanced technologies

The future of 3D visualisation and printing in cardiac care lies in its integration with emerging technologies. Combining 3D printing with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) will provide even more immersive and interactive experiences for procedural planning and training. These technologies allow surgeons to simulate real-life scenarios and practice complex procedures in a virtual environment before operating on actual patients.

Personalised medical implants

As 3D printing technology advances, the potential for creating personalised medical implants tailored to individual anatomies grows. Unlike traditional solutions, where “one size doesn’t fit all,” bioprinting—a technique that prints with biological materials—offers a customised approach. This could lead to the development of tissue and organ implants designed specifically for each patient, enhancing care and improving surgical outcomes.

Advanced materials 

Material science innovations are shaping the future of 3D printing in cardiac care. The development of biocompatible and biodegradable materials that mimic natural tissue properties allows for more realistic and functional models, better replicating the mechanical and biological behaviour of human organs. Additionally, advancements in bioinks—composed of living cells and biomaterials—are enabling the bioprinting of complex tissue structures. Researchers are refining bioink composition to improve the viability of printed tissues for transplantation and regenerative medicine.

Training and education

The use of 3D-printed models in medical training and patient education is expanding. These models offer a hands-on approach for medical students and professionals to study complex cardiac structures and practice surgical techniques. They also serve as effective tools for explaining procedures to patients, improving their understanding and engagement in their own care.

Regulatory and standardisation efforts

As 3D printing becomes more integral to cardiac care, regulatory and standardisation efforts will be essential to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality. Developing comprehensive guidelines for the production, testing, and use of 3D-printed medical devices will streamline approvals and encourage widespread adoption. Collaboration among regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions is crucial to creating a robust framework that supports innovation while safeguarding patient well-being.

Conclusion

Three-dimensional visualisation and printing are revolutionising cardiac care by enhancing procedural planning and bridging imaging gaps. While current advancements demonstrate significant improvements in imaging and model creation, future innovations promise deeper integration with emerging technologies, personalised implants, and enhanced training solutions. As technology evolves, 3D printing will play a central role in delivering more personalised and effective care for patients undergoing cardiac interventions.

References

• Ali shabbak et al “3D Printing for Cardiovascular Surgery and Intervention: A Review Article “,Current Problems in Cardiology,Volume 49, Issue 1, Part B,2024

• Garcia J, Yang Z  et al “3D printing materials and their use in medical education: a review of current technology and trends for the future”,  BMJ Simul Technol Enhanc Learn. 2018 Jan;4(1):27-40.

• Serge C Harb et al  “Three-Dimensional Printing Applications in Percutaneous Structural Heart Interventions” Cardiovascular Imaging ,Volume 12, Number 10, 2019

• Nanbo Liu et al “Advances in 3D bioprinting technology for cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration” Bioactive Materials, Volume 6, Issue 5,2021,Pages 1388-1401,