Development of a 3D printed surgical guide for Brugada syndrome substrate ablation

Giacomo Talevi, Luigi Pannone, Cinzia Monaco, Edoardo Bori, Ida Anna Cappello, Mara Candelari, Robbert Ramak, Mark La Meir, Ali Gharaviri, Gian Battista Chierchia, Bernardo Innocenti, Carlo de Asmundis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a disease associated with ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Epicardial ablation has demonstrated high therapeutic efficacy in preventing ventricular arrhythmias. The purpose of this research is to define a workflow to create a patient-specific 3D-printed tool to be used as a surgical guide for epicardial ablation in BrS.

METHODS: Due to their mechanical properties and biocompatibility, the MED625FLX and TPU95A were used for cardiac 3D surgical guide printing. ECG imaging was used to define the target region on the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). CT scan imaging was used to design the model based on patient anatomy. A 3D patient-specific heart phantom was also printed for fitting test. Sterilization test was finally performed.

RESULTS: 3D printed surgical models with both TPU95A and MED625FLX models were in agreement with pre-specified imputed measurements. The phantom test showed retention of shape and correct fitting of the surgical tool to the reproduced phantom anatomy, as expected, for both materials. The surgical guide adapted to both the RVOT and the left anterior descending artery. Two of the 3D models produced in MED265FLX showed damage due to the sterilization process.

CONCLUSIONS: A 3D printed patient-specific surgical guide for epicardial substrate ablation in BrS is feasible if a specific workflow is followed. The design of the 3D surgical guide ensures proper fitting on the heart phantom with good stability. Further investigations for clinical use are eagerly awaited.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1029685
JournalFrontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
Volume9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Nov 2022

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2022 Talevi, Pannone, Monaco, Bori, Cappello, Candelari, Ramak, La Meir, Gharaviri, Chierchia, Innocenti and de Asmundis.

Copyright:
Copyright 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • 3D printing
  • Brugada syndrome
  • arrhythmias treatment
  • image processing
  • segmentation

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