TDNet Discover

Background: Quality preoperative planning is an imperative part of the surgical method and is of utmost importance in those with complex conditions requiring highly intricate procedures. Cardiothoracic surgeons in particular face great challenges in preparing to repair heart defects. It is the current standard of care to obtain echocardiograms and CT scans to prepare for these surgeries. However, there are questions as to whether they provide the best surgical planning, as oftentimes procedures are trialed and failed in these patients. Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the evidence that has been gathered since 2023, on whether 3D-printing of heart models aids in preoperative planning of cardiothoracic surgeons in those with various heart diseases, in comparison to the usual 2D scans that are used. Methods: To identify recent advances “preoperative planning 3D-printed heart models” was searched throughout databases. The search was narrowed to articles with open access written in English between 2023-2025. Non-cardiothoracic surgery articles were eliminated. This showed 22 results from PubMed and 8 from Springer Nature, with 2 and 1 results, respectively, when narrowed to case studies and randomized control trials. These articles focused on 3 different conditions: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, Ventricular Septal Defects, and Double Outlet Right Ventricle. Results: The cumulative data suggested that 3D-printing of heart models both alter approaches of surgeries, and lead to better surgical outcomes with reduced complications. Conclusion: In the studies reviewed, 3D-printed heart model use in the preoperative period, proved to aid in surgeons’ confidence and patient outcomes. Future work is recommended to implement this technology as first line for complex cardiothoracic procedures.