Belarusian surgeons perform first operations using 3D printed heart model

15 марта 2017

By Vlada Karnitskaya: Surgeons of the Republican Scientific and Practical Centre for Cardiology have performed the first operations using 3D printed heart model. Individual heart models were created following computer tomography. The 3D printed organ helped the surgeons fully plan the surgical intervention — before operating on the patient’s heart, they operated on the heart model and then compared the results. The technology was successfully applied in the treatment of two male patients.

The method may be used in treating children, particularly newborns with congenital heart defects. In addition, the Belarusian neurosurgeons are planning to use 3D printing in performing brain surgeries in children in the near future.