3D printed organ models and patient-specific dosimetry for children with heart disease

Pedro António Freitas Silva

Key information

Authors:

Pedro António Freitas Silva (Pedro António Freitas Silva)

Supervisors:

Maria Teresa Ferreira Marques Pinheiro (Maria Teresa Ferreira Marques Pinheiro); Pedro Manuel Peixoto Teles (Pedro Manuel Peixoto Teles)

Published in

January 20, 2021

Abstract

The interest and use of 3D printing in clinical applications has been steadily advancing in recent years given that this technology has a great capacity to produce increasingly detailed anatomical structures and replicate complex anomalies. The main goal of this thesis is to create 3D printed models of the hearts of children with heart disease, whether congenital or acquired. Often, paediatric patients with heart disease are subject to different types of radiological examinations throughout their lives. This early and protracted exposure to ionising radiation is a source of concern as exposure may increase lifetime risk for cancer and other diseases. The models were produced using data from three patients, through Computed Tomographies (CT) and Magnetic Resonances (MRI), at the Centro de Referência de Cardiopatias Congénitas do Hospital de Santa Marta, following national data protection norms and ethical standards. The printed models showed an adequate quality of segmentation and impression, accurately reproducing the anatomical characteristics of the heart and vasculature. However, the limitations of CT in relation to contrast for different soft tissues and the lower resolution of MRI may cause imperfections located in 3D printed models. This type of technology is currently not available in the Portuguese health care system. So, by delivering to the medical community a fast method to improve interventional and surgical outcomes, as well as dose optimisation procedures, it will become a clear advantage for the patient's outcome and quality of life.