Rapid prototyping in cardiac disease: 3D printing the heart

This book provides an overview of the use of rapid prototyping in patients with cardiac pathology. With the exponential increase in the use of prototyping, or 3D printing technology, medical applications are becoming more widespread across specialties. Although medical centers are beginning to apply this technology for improved patient care, there is no single text to which specialists can refer for guidance about this emerging modality. The book discusses the use of rapid prototyping in medicine; model creation; image acquisition; rapid prototyping techniques; applications in congenital and structural heart disease; and development and management of a rapid prototyping service. The use of rapid prototyping for pre-procedural planning in patients with cardiac disorders such as septal defects, Tetralogy of Fallot, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, and ventricular assist devices and heart transplant significantly enhances visualization of cardiovascular anatomy. Rapid Prototyping in Cardiac Disease is a unique and valuable resource for cardiac imaging specialists, cardiothoracic surgeons, radiologists, and biomedical engineers.