nursing-heart-2019-scientifictracks

4 / 23

Page 22
Volume 3 Journal of Nursing Research and Practice Nursing and Heart 2019
April 22-23, 2019
Nursing Education and Evidence Based Practice Conference
Heart Conference
April 22-23, 2019 Dubai, UAE
World
4th International
&
3D printing in cardiovascular disease
Zhonghua Sun
Curtin University, Australia
Statement of the Problem: Three-Dimensional (3D) printing has been increasingly used in clinical practice with promising reports
in the cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that realistic 3D printed models are able to replicate complex cardiac anatomy and
pathology with high accuracy. However, comprehensive assessments of 3D printing in cardiovascular disease with regard to model
accuracy, clinical value and optimisation of imaging protocols remain to be determined. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the
clinical applications of patient-specific 3D printed models of heart, aorta and pulmonary arteries in terms of quantitative assessment
of model accuracy, depiction of cardiovascular disease and development of optimal Computed Tomography (CT) scanning protocols.
Methodology: Sample CT angiographic images of patients with congenital heart disease, aortic aneurysm and dissection, as well
as pulmonary embolism were selected for image post-processing and segmentation for generation of 3D printing files. 3D printed
models were created with use of different materials including strong and flexible material, elastoplastic and tangoplus materials.
Measurements of dimensional diameters were performed to compare the differences between original source CT images and 3D
printed models to determine model accuracy. Thrombus was inserted into the pulmonary arteries to simulate pulmonary embolism
with different CT angiographic protocols tested on the model. Findings: 3D printed models were successfully generated with excellent
demonstration of cardiovascular anatomy and pathology (image). Complicated cardiovascular pathologies such as ventricular septal
defect, aortic aneurysm, or aortic dissection can be clearly depicted on 3D printed physical models. Low-dose CT protocols of 70 or
80 kVp and high pitch 2.2 or 3.2 are recommended for dose optimization.
Conclusion and Significance: Patient-specific 3D printed models have potential value to improve clinical practice by simulating
surgical procedures and surgical planning. 3D printed models can be used to optimize CT protocols with low radiation dose but
acceptable diagnostic images.
Biography
Zhonghua Sun is a Professor and Head of Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences at Curtin University, Australia. His research interests include diagnostic imaging,
3D medical image visualization and processing (in particular cardiovascular CT imaging), haemodynamic analysis of cardiovascular disease and 3D printing in
cardiovascular disease, and 3D printing in medicine. He has published 3 books, 13 book chapters, and over 240 refereed journal papers in medical/medical imaging
journals. He is a Fellow of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. He serves as an associate editor/academic editor for 6 journals and editorial board
member for more than 30 international imaging/medical journals. Specifically, his research on 3D virtual intravascular endoscopy of aortic stent grafts and coronary
plaque features has led to many publications in internationally refereed radiology and surgery journals with high citations, and his recent research on 3D printing in
cardiovascular disease has also produced a number of publications.
Zhonghua Sun, J Nursing Research and Practice, Volume 3
DOI: 10.4172/2632-251X-C3-008