First printed 3D heart model based on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging data in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES

To present our experience with initial fabrication of 3D printed model of heart from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging data.

METHODS

A 20-year-old patient with a congenital heart defect after a surgical correction underwent CMR imaging. A novel whole-heart CMR imaging sequence, not requiring gadolinium contrast material application, was performed. Image data from this CMR sequence were used for 3D heart model printing.

RESULTS

A life-like 3D printed copy of the heart with a congenital defect with superior visualization of cardiovascular anatomical details was successfully fabricated.

CONCLUSION

3D printing of the heart copies from novel whole heart CMR imaging data is feasible and harmless to patients. These models can be used for operative planning of complex congenital heart defects (Fig. 4, Ref. 14).