Thesis

Three dimensional printing of complex anatomical structures for aid in planning cardiovascular paediatric surgery

Creator
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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2015
Thesis identifier
  • T14208
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201489921
Qualification Level
Qualification Name
Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Congenital heart disease is a collection of defects present at birth which impact on the normal functions and anatomical structure of the heart. One such condition is coarctation of the aorta, a narrowing of the main blood vessel leading from the left ventricle, responsible for blood transport to the body. It is estimated to affect between 3000 and 5000 persons each year in the US. Surgeons have relied on conventional imaging modalities, primarily echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) for diagnostics and planning of the corrective surgery. These modalities have limitations, even though some 3D projections based on volume rendering can be generated using these modalities, one of the main limitations is they are two dimensional and are limited in perceiving depth. To reduce the impact of these limitations on surgeons planning surgery, use of computational fluid dynamics and liquid base rapid prototyping to produce 3D anatomical models of a coarcted aorta were employed. CT scans of a ten day old neonate were obtained, and using Mimics software a 3D computational model was generated from the images. The geometry was imported into Ansys fluid analysis software, generating a contour map of the wall shear stress and velocity vectors of blood flow through the aorta. The contour mapping showed elevated levels of shear stress at the point of coarctation, with a maximum shear stress of 2.7 x 10⁻³ mmHg and a maximum blood velocity through the narrowed coarcted region of 6.97 m/s. The physical 3D model printed from the geometry was critically appraised by a consultant cardiac surgeon, his findings proved the model very useful in the aid of surgeons for the purpose of planning a corrective surgery. The model showed great detail and provided a comprehensive analysis of the legion not provided by current imaging modalities.
Resource Type
DOI
Alternative Title
  • 3D printing of complex anatomical structures for aid in planning cardiovascular paediatric surgery
Date Created
  • 2015
Former identifier
  • 1247657

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