AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility of using echocardiographic data to generate three-dimensional models of normal and pathologic mitral valve annuli before and after repair procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution transesophageal echocardiographic data from five patients was analyzed to delineate and track the mitral annulus (MA) using Tom Tec Image-Arena software. Coordinates representing the annulus were imported into Solidworks software for constructing solid models. These solid models were converted to stereolithographic (STL) file format and three-dimensionally printed by a commercially available Maker Bot Replicator 2 three-dimensional printer. Total time from image acquisition to printing was approximately 30 min. RESULTS: Models created were highly reflective of known geometry, shape and size of normal and pathologic mitral annuli. Post-repair models also closely resembled shapes of the rings they were implanted with. Compared to echocardiographic images of annuli seen on a computer screen, physical models were able to convey clinical information more comprehensively, making them helpful in appreciating pathology, as well as post-repair changes. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional printing of the MA is possible and clinically feasible using routinely obtained echocardiographic images. Given the short turn-around time and the lack of need for additional imaging, a technique we describe here has the potential for rapid integration into clinical practice to assist with surgical education, planning and decision-making.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to assess the clinical feasibility of using echocardiographic data to generate three-dimensional models of normal and pathologic mitral valve annuli before and after repair procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High-resolution transesophageal echocardiographic data from five patients was analyzed to delineate and track the mitral annulus (MA) using Tom Tec Image-Arena software. Coordinates representing the annulus were imported into Solidworks software for constructing solid models. These solid models were converted to stereolithographic (STL) file format and three-dimensionally printed by a commercially available Maker Bot Replicator 2 three-dimensional printer. Total time from image acquisition to printing was approximately 30 min. RESULTS: Models created were highly reflective of known geometry, shape and size of normal and pathologic mitral annuli. Post-repair models also closely resembled shapes of the rings they were implanted with. Compared to echocardiographic images of annuli seen on a computer screen, physical models were able to convey clinical information more comprehensively, making them helpful in appreciating pathology, as well as post-repair changes. CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional printing of the MA is possible and clinically feasible using routinely obtained echocardiographic images. Given the short turn-around time and the lack of need for additional imaging, a technique we describe here has the potential for rapid integration into clinical practice to assist with surgical education, planning and decision-making.
Authors: Andreas A Giannopoulos; Dimitris Mitsouras; Shi-Joon Yoo; Peter P Liu; Yiannis S Chatzizisis; Frank J Rybicki Journal: Nat Rev Cardiol Date: 2016-10-27 Impact factor: 32.419
Authors: Beth Ripley; Tatiana Kelil; Michael K Cheezum; Alexandra Goncalves; Marcelo F Di Carli; Frank J Rybicki; Mike Steigner; Dimitrios Mitsouras; Ron Blankstein Journal: J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr Date: 2015-12-12
Authors: Andreas A Giannopoulos; Michael L Steigner; Elizabeth George; Maria Barile; Andetta R Hunsaker; Frank J Rybicki; Dimitris Mitsouras Journal: J Thorac Imaging Date: 2016-09 Impact factor: 3.000
Authors: Azad Mashari; Mario Montealegre-Gallegos; Ziyad Knio; Lu Yeh; Jelliffe Jeganathan; Robina Matyal; Kamal R Khabbaz; Feroze Mahmood Journal: Echo Res Pract Date: 2016-12-14