Feasibility of 3D printing of mitral valve model based on echocardiographic data / 中国医学影像技术

ABSTRACT

Objective: To explore the feasibility of using 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D-TEE) data to generate 3D patient-specific model of mitral valve (MV) using 3D printing. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 30 patients, including 10 cases with normal MV, 10 cases with MV stenosis and 10 cases with MV prolapse. 3D-TEE volumetric data of 30 patients were acquired and postprocessed, and then soft MV models were made through injecting silicone into the molds. Measurements of MV annulus antero-posterior diameters, anterolaterior and posteromedial diameters, perimeter, area and MV opening width obtained from 3D-TEE images and from 3D models were compared, and the absolute differences of these values were calculated. Results: 3D-TEE volumetric data were successfully postprocessed, and then 3D MV models were made in all patients. The differences of MV parameters measured from 3D models were not statistically significant with those from 3D-TEE images (all P>0.05). Only less absolute differences of MV parameters were found between 3D models and 3D-TEE images. Conclusion: 3D printing of MV models based on 3D-TEE is feasible with high conserved fidelity.