3D Stereo-lithographic models placed in Virtual Reality to assist in pre-operative planning

Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital abnormality affecting 8 per 1000 children. Children with univentricular circulation undergo three staged procedures, the last of which is a Fontan procedure. In some children, the anatomical arrangement makes completion of the Fontan procedure highly complicated, and in some cases not possible, which may imply a serious morbidity or mortality for the child. Currently, echocardiography (ECG), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography are used to define the preoperative cardiac anatomy. Five 3Dprinted hearts are already developed for Crumlin Hospital to assess the utility of preoperative 3D printing in assessment of patient suitability for Fontan procedure. The project described in this paper involves the development of 3D stereolithographic models of complex cardiac defects and place them in a VR headset for a medical team to be able to rehearse the surgical procedure.