Doctors began to use technologies of Medtronic for creation of 3D models of heart valves to prepare for transactions

At the beginning of September, 2020 researchers from the University of Minnesota using Medtronic developed the method 3D - printings of models of aortal valves and nearby anatomic educations. These models based on data of a computer tomography almost completely copy a form of real fabrics and therefore help surgeons to be prepared for difficult transkateterny cardiological procedures, such as replacement of the valve. Use of models allowed results of treatment and to develop new methods of treatment which already began to be applied in clinical practice in Minnesota.

In printing process arrays of various 3D-printing sensors which measure pressure in different points of model are built in these models which include valves and moving shutters and help to rehearse the forthcoming procedures, allowing to pick up tools and the size of implants.

Doctors began to use technologies of Medtronic for creation of 3D models of heart valves to prepare for transactions

Our purpose - to reduce medical risks and probability of complications, having provided the individualized technique which will help doctors to orient with anatomical structures and functional characteristics of the specific patient, - the specialist in mechanical engineering of the University of Minnesota, professor and the senior research associate of a research Michael McAlpine explained. - Doctors will be able to check suitability of implants just before the procedure and also to explain to the patient the course of future transaction on visual model.

Models produce using new ink on the basis of silicone which was developed for exact reproduction of physical properties of tissues of heart, the valve and vessels. This ink requires special 3D-printers, but is rather universal to reproduce both softness of shutters of the valve, and firm calcification.

Makalpayn notes that in process of improvement of the 3D methods - printings appear all new methods of integration of electronic devices into models which imitate functions of living tissues. He assumes that once such "bionic" bodies will even exceed the biological analogs and will be used as implants.^[1]

Notes