December 2016 – 3D Printed Aorta for TAVR

This 3D printed model (Figure A) was created using a Computed Tomography (CT) scan of an 89-year-old patient with a history of severe aortic stenosis, now being scanned for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) evaluation. Figure B is a Volume Rendered (VR) rotational movie of the patient’s aorta, created from the patient’s CT scan. The red arrows point to a kink in the patient’s aorta that could potentially cause complications. This 3D printed model was created for the surgeon to simulate the procedure and anticipate any complications. A base and supporting pillars were added to the model to allow it to sit on a table in anatomical position so that the surgeon’s positioning is as realistic as possible. The patient’s treatment team used the 3D model in conjunction with the original CT scan and additional 3D imaging created by the 3DQ Lab to determine the best course of treatment for this patient. The 3D model was created by a 3DQ Lab technologist using a suite of specialized 3D imaging and 3D modeling software.