The development of direct 3-dimensional printing of patient-specific mitral valve in soft material for simulation and procedural planning.

Replicating 3-dimensional prints of patient-specific mitral valves in soft materials is a cumbersome and time-consuming process. The aim of this study was to develop a method for a direct 3-dimensional printing of patient-specific mitral valves in soft material for simulation-based training and procedural planning. A process was developed based on data acquisition using 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography Cartesian Digital Imaging and Communication of Medicine format, image processing using software (Vesalius3D, Blender, Meshlab, Atum3D Operation Station), and 3-dimensional printing using digital light processing, an additive manufacturing process based on photopolymer resins. Experiments involved adjustment of 3 variables: curing times, model thinness, and lattice structuring during the printing process. Printed models were evaluated for suitability in physical simulation by an experienced mitral valve surgeon. Direct 3-dimensional printing of a patient's mitral valve in soft material was completed within a range of 1.5 to 4.5 hours. Prints with postcuring times of 5, 7, 10, and 15 minutes resulted in increased stiffness. The mitral valves with 2.0-mm and 2.4-mm thinner leaflets felt more flexible without tear of the sutures through the material. The addition of lattice structures made the prints more compliant and better supported suturing. Direct 3-dimensional printing of a realistic and flexible patient-specific mitral valve was achieved within a few hours. A combination of thinner leaflets, reduced curing time, and lattice structures enabled the creation of a realistic patient-specific mitral valve in soft material for physical simulation.

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© 2024 The Author(s).

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

P.S.N. is the inventor of the Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve simulator that is commercialized by Simurghy and reports consultancy agreements with NeoChord, Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Abbott, and Fujifilm. All other authors reported no conflicts of interest. The Journal policy requires editors and reviewers to disclose conflicts of interest and to decline handling or reviewing manuscripts for which they may have a conflict of interest. The editors and reviewers of this article have no conflicts of interest.