Preoperative simulation of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement using patient-specific replica.

Exposure of surgeons to minimally invasive cardiac surgery is typically limited. We developed a patient-specific aortic root silicon replica for simulating minimally invasive aortic valve replacement (MIAVR). From this 3D model, important anatomical information was obtained. To understand the best procedural option, different techniques were attempted without time limitation, leading to the complete planning of the operation. The patient-specific replica and simulated surgery were useful for preoperative training and planning for the MIAVR procedure.