3D-Printed Cardiac Models for Fetal Counseling: A Pilot Study and Novel Approach to Improve Communication

The impact of 3D printed vs. 3D virtual congenital heart models on patient and family knowledge

Introduction

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) often involve complex anatomical structures that can be challenging for patients and their families to understand. While physicians utilize various imaging techniques such as cardiac echocardiograms, CT scans, and MRIs to comprehend these complexities, the information is typically conveyed to patients and families through two-dimensional (2D) images and drawings. Traditional methods often fail to fully capture the intricate nature of CHDs. This study compared the effectiveness of 2D imaging with three-dimensional (3D) virtual and 3D printed models in enhancing the understanding of CHDs among patients and their families.

Methods

Family members of patients with congenital heart disease, as well as patients aged 15 years or older, were recruited for the study. Participants were presented with an echocardiogram of their specific cardiac defect alongside an echocardiogram of a structurally normal heart for comparison. They were then randomly assigned to receive education using a 3D printed model or a 3D virtual model of their heart defect. Participants' knowledge of normal cardiac anatomy and the anatomy of their specific cardiac defect was assessed after viewing the echocardiogram (2D image) and again after reviewing the 3D models.

Results

One-hundred-nine subjects participated in the study, comprising 79 family members (72.5%) and 30 patients (27.5%). Subjects showed significant improvement in their understanding of normal cardiac anatomy with both 3D printed and 3D virtual models compared to the 2D image (p = 0.022 and p = 0.012, respectively). Among the subjects, 70% in the 3D printed group and 84% in the 3D virtual group indicated a preference for the 3D models over the 2D image. Both the 3D printed, and 3D virtual model groups rated themselves as having an increased understanding of normal cardiac anatomy compared to the 2D images (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Discussion

These findings suggest that incorporating 3D models into the educational process for patients with congenital heart disease can lead to improved comprehension and greater satisfaction.

Fetal tetralogy of Fallot: Three-dimensional virtual and physical models from ultrasound scan data findings

Three-dimensional reconstructions provide a spatial view of the congenital heart disease with a better understanding of the pathology for parents and allow interactive discussion among the medical team (maternal-fetal medicine specialist, neonatology, pediatric cardiology, and cardiovascular surgeon) and improve both objective knowledge and learner satisfaction for medical students.

The effect of 3D modeling on family quality of life, surgical success, and patient outcomes in congenital heart diseases: objectives and design of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Understanding the severity of the disease from the parents' perspective can lead to better patient outcomes, improving both the child's health-related quality of life and the family's quality of life. The implementation of 3-dimensional (3D) modeling technology in care is critical from a translational science perspective.

AIM

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of 3D modeling on family quality of life, surgical success, and patient outcomes in congenital heart diseases. Additionally, we aim to identify challenges and potential solutions related to this innovative technology.

METHODS

The study is a two-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial protocol. The sample size is 15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. The experimental group's heart models will be made from their own computed tomography (CT) images and printed using a 3D printer. The experimental group will receive surgical simulation and preoperative parent education with their 3D heart model. The control group will receive the same parent education using the standard anatomical model. Both groups will complete the Sociodemographic Information Form, the Surgical Simulation Evaluation Form - Part I-II, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) Family Impacts Module. The primary outcome of the research is the average PedsQL Family Impacts Module score. Secondary outcome measurement includes surgical success and patient outcomes. Separate analyses will be conducted for each outcome and compared between the intervention and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anomalies that can be clearly understood by parents according to the actual size and dimensions of the child's heart will affect the preoperative preparation of the surgical procedure and the recovery rate in the postoperative period.

Utility of Fetal Cardiac Resonance Imaging in Prenatal Clinical Practice: Current State of the Art

The field of prenatal cardiac imaging has revolutionized the way we understand and manage congenital heart diseases (CHD) in the developing fetus. In the prenatal period, cardiac imaging plays a pivotal role in the diagnostic pathway, from screening to classification and follow-up of CHD. The ability to visualize the fetal heart in utero allows healthcare professionals to detect abnormalities early, thus enabling timely interventions and informed decision-making processes for both the mother and the medical team. Early CHD detection improves preparation for delivery, postnatal care, and postnatal outcomes. Advancements in medical technology and imaging techniques have provided clinicians with insights into the fascinating workings of the fetal heart. Several imaging modalities have proven to be helpful in this field, with echocardiography undoubtedly representing the primary modality for evaluating the fetus. By providing detailed anatomical and functional information, fetal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging contributes to better prenatal counseling and enhances the coordination of care between obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and pediatric cardiologists. Shortcomings of fetal CMR are due to technical concerns related to the intrauterine position of the fetus and subsequent challenges to following a standard scan protocol. The aim of this paper was to revise the current state-of-the-art in the field of fetal CMR and its clinical applications and to delve into methods, challenges, and future directions of fetal CMR in prenatal imaging.