3D Printing, Virtual Reality (VR) & Simulation in Congenital, Structural & Valvular Heart Disease
3D Printing, Virtual Reality (VR) & Simulation in Congenital, Structural & Valvular Heart Disease
Source: Kanwal Farooqi, MD | Columbia University | SCCT 2026 | Medical press interview.
• 3D modeling: CT/MRI images can be transformed into patient-specific 3D heart models to better understand complex congenital anatomy and plan procedures.
• 3D printing: The digital model can be physically printed, allowing surgeons to examine complex anatomy before intervention.
• Virtual Reality (VR): Using a VR headset, clinicians can explore the patient’s heart in 3D and simulate potential surgical approaches.
• Cath Lab simulation: Advanced simulators allow cardiologists to practice complex PCI, CTO, bifurcation, structural and valvular interventions using wires, catheters, balloons, stents and devices with haptic feedback—without risk to patients.
• The future: Patient-specific imaging, 3D printing, VR and simulation are moving cardiovascular medicine toward rehearsing complex procedures before treating the patient.
JCS Perspective: This technology is also part of the Jordan Cardiac Society’s Simulation Center Project, submitted to the Jordanian Ministry of Health in 2025 with a comprehensive feasibility study, including advanced cardiovascular and interventional simulation in collaboration with Mentice and Mayo Clinic. The Minister of Health subsequently indicated that the project had been incorporated into the Ministry’s budget planning, and it is currently moving toward implementation