3D-printed and computational models: a combined approach for patient-specific studies

Three-dimensional printed models have been increasingly used in many fields of medicine. The most common benefits include a better understanding of anatomical details, an improved communication between clinicians and patients, a more accurate planning of treatments, and new opportunities for procedural training. In the cardiovascular field, this technology has contributed to improve the management of complex cases, in particular congenital heart disease, by fostering personalized preprocedural planning and increasing medical trainees’ confidence. Cardiovascular structures, however, are extremely challenging to replicate using materials compatible with current 3D printing technologies. Hence, patient-specific computational models, generated from the same set of medical images as printed ones, can be combined to 3D printing technology to simulate different conditions and identify the optimal treatment for each specific patient. A further step forward is represented by the integration of advanced visualization techniques like augmented and virtual reality, to close still existing loopholes. In this chapter, we review the current possibilities associated with the use of patient-specific models, in the context of cardiovascular applications.