Abstract

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Title:: Application of three-dimensional printing technique in diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease with tracheomalacia in pediatric patients

Author(s):: Application of three-dimensional printing technique in diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease with tracheomalacia in pediatric patients; Diagnostic Imaging Center, Shanghai Children’s Medical Center Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China

Keywords:: ; : three-dimensional printing technique; congenital heart disease; tracheomalacia; image postprocessing

Abstract:: Objective To establish a three-dimensional (3D) airway model for pediatric patients congenital heart disease (CHD) accompanied by tracheomalacia through 3D printing technique and explore the significance of the 3D airway model for clinical diagnosis and the development of therapeutic schedule. Methods One pediatric patient was diagnosed with CHD accompanied by tracheomalacia, and the image data were obtained with dynamic multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT) with volume helical shuttle (VHS) technique. The DICOM data of CT image were imported into Mimics 17.0 software, and the image post-processing was conducted in the region of interest, finally obtaining the 3D reconstruction models of these airways. Subsequently, 3-Matic 10.0 software was used to do the mesh optimization of the 3D models and generate stereolithography (STL) files. After these files were imported into Objet 260 3D printer, the 3D airway models were finally printed with 3D printer. Results The 3D printed trachea models of inspiratory phase and expiratory phase were in accord with the results of bronchoscopy examination. Conclusion Pediatric full-sized trachea model is successfully established with the use of 3D printing technique, which provides an effective assistance and guidance to diagnose and provide treatment for pediatric patients who were suffered with CHD accompanied by tracheomalacia.