Three-Dimensional Printing of Life-Like Models for Simulation and Training of Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery:

ObjectiveAs the use of minimally invasive surgery in cardiothoracic surgery increases, so does the need for simulation and training. We developed a heart model for simulation and training of minimally invasive cardiac surgery, particularly minimally invasive mitral valve repair using our new three-dimensional printing system.MethodsDigital imaging and communication in medicine data from patient computed tomography, three-dimensional computer-aided design, and three-dimensional printing helped create replicas of the heart and thoracic cavity. A polyvinyl alcohol model material with a texture and physical properties similar to those of heart tissue was initially used in mitral valve replicas to simulate surgical procedures. To develop this material, we mechanically investigated the composition of each part of the porcine heart.ResultsWe investigated the elastic modulus and breaking strength of the porcine heart. Based on investigation results, the cardiac model was set at rupture strength 20 MPa, elastic mo...