Desenvolvimento de modelos de cardiopatias congênitas em impressão 3D: potenciais aplicações no ensino da cardiologia e cirurgia cardiovascular pediátrica

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital heart diseases require in-depth anatomic understanding. Traditional teaching methods are limited to anatomical representations on flat surfaces and access to pathological specimens is limited in most centers. 3D printing is a promising tool in congenital heart diseases education by creating physical prototypes from imaging data. This study aimed to develop a set of 3D-printed congenital heart diseases models and identify potential educationally benefited groups. Methods: Data derived from cardiac computed tomography was used following the steps of image acquisition, segmentation, digital design, slicing, 3D printing, and post-printing. Essential valvar structures were created from echocardiographic data and digitally inserted into the prototypes. 3D-printed models were evaluated by an expert team of 26 specialists. A low-cost workflow based on the use of free software's , a desktop 3D printer and low-cost materials were used. Results: Twelve 3D-printed models were developed, including ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, Tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, atrioventricular septal defect, coarctation of the Aorta, hypoplastic left heart syndrome, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, Truncus arteriosus, and interrupted aortic arch. All evaluators completely or partially agreed that the prototypes were "visually enjoyable", "easy to manipulate" and "apparently resistant" while 92% agreed that the models were 96% completely agreed that 3D-printed congenital heart disease models can motivate the study congenital heart diseases" . The experts reported that the physical models can be a valuable educational tool for "cardiologists and surgeons" (100%), "interdisciplinary teams" (96%), "children's caregivers" (92%), and "undergraduate students" (81%). Conclusion: The development of 3D-printed congenital heart diseases models is feasible and potentially useful for pediatric cardiology and cardiovascular surgery teaching to different educational groups.