Title:Use of Three-dimensional Printing in the Development of Optimal Cardiac CT Scanning Protocols
Volume: 16
Author(s): Zhonghua Sun*
Affiliation:
- Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, 6845,Australia
Keywords:
3D printing, coronary artery disease, heart disease, plaque, stent, visualisation.
Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is increasingly used in medical applications with most
of the studies focusing on its applications in medical education and training, pre-surgical planning
and simulation, and doctor-patient communication. An emerging area of utilising 3D printed models
lies in the development of cardiac computed tomography (CT) protocols for visualisation and
detection of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, 3D printed heart and cardiovascular models have
shown potential value in the evaluation of coronary plaques and coronary stents, aortic diseases
and detection of pulmonary embolism. This review article provides an overview of the clinical
value of 3D printed models in these areas with regard to the development of optimal CT scanning
protocols for both diagnostic evaluation of cardiovascular disease and reduction of radiation dose.
The expected outcomes are to encourage further research towards this direction.