A Low-Cost Workflow to Generate Virtual and Physical Three-Dimensional Models of Cardiac Structures
Published: November 14, 2024.
Volume 16, Number 1
Pages 107-113
Contributors
Philippe Grieshaber; Alexander Schneller; Elizabeth Fonseca-Escalante; Mina Farag; Rebecca Krey; Angéla Czundel; Christoph Jaschinski; Matthias Karck; Matthias Gorenflo; Tsvetomir Loukanov
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Volume 16, Issue 1, Page 107-113, January 2025.
PurposeThree-dimensional modeling and printing (3DMP) of anatomical structures from cross-sectional imaging data can enhance the understanding of spatial relationships in complex congenital heart defects. Partially due to the substantial financial, material and personnel resources required, 3DMP is not yet universally used. Here, we describe a workflow that addresses and eliminates these drawbacks.DescriptionThe workflow utilizes the open-source software “3D Slicer” (The Slicer Community) and “Blender” (Blender Foundation) for segmentation and post-editing of datasets. This approach enables the generation of virtual or physical 3D models. The physical models are printed using a standard fused deposition modeling printer.EvaluationThe financial challenges that likely constrain the wider use of 3DMP are largely addressed by this approach. However, the workflow still requires a considerable amount of time to manually segment the imaging data.ConclusionsThree-dimensional modeling and printing might improve planning and safety of congenital cardiac surgical treatment. Furthermore, it is a useful tool for education of parents and medical professionals. This workflow increases its suitability for routine use also in regions with low economic resources.
Resolution of Severe Ulcerative Colitis Secondary to Nickel Allergy Following Explantation of Amplatzer Septal Occluder Device: A Delayed Presentation
Published: September 17, 2024.
Volume 16, Number 1
Pages 119-121
Contributors
Sujata Subramanian; Swati Iyer; Gregory Johnson; Hitesh Agrawal; Charles D. Fraser
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery, Volume 16, Issue 1, Page 119-121, January 2025.
Nickel is a component of nitinol, an alloy used in several medical devices. Allergy to nickel may place patients at a high risk for severe hypersensitivity reactions. We report a rare case of a patient who developed severe ulcerative colitis ten years following closure of an atrial septal defect with the Amplatzer Septal Occluder device.
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Response to: Importance of Comprehensive Reporting in Rare Pediatric Cases: Insights From a Cardiac Echinococcosis Case Report
Published: November 07, 2024.
Volume 16, Number 1
Pages 142-142
Contributors
Thierry Carrel