American Heart Association says 3D image may provide better size match for Child Heart Transplants
November 17, 2015
American Heart Association Meeting Report
Orlando, FL – A new 3D computer modeling system may significantly improve a surgeon’s ability to select the best sized donor heart for children receiving heart transplants, according to research presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2015.
Transplant centers currently assess compatibility of a potential donor heart by comparing the donor weight to the recipient weight and then picking an upper and lower limit based on the size of the patient’s heart on chest X-ray. But the assessment is not precise and variations in size and volume can have a major effect on the recipient’s outcome.
Models of multiple children’s hearts who were born with congenital heart defects, used for surgical planning. (Cardiac 3D Print Lab, Phoenix Children’s Hospital Heart Center)
