The 3D printed cardiac model: a potential tool in transcatheter complex atrial septal defect closure—a case report study

The transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) can be complicated by inferior-posterior rim deficiency. Percutaneous closure is possible but demands detailed pre-procedural imaging.

In this case, we present a successful percutaneous closure of two secundum ASDs complicated by the absence of the inferior-posterior rim. Pre-procedural simulations were conducted on a printed cardiac 3D model based on cardiac CT imaging.

Atrial septal defects with an inferior-posterior rim deficiency/absence are associated with an increased risk of device failure in percutaneous closure. Creating a 3D model offers improved understanding of the complex anatomy of the defects and allows pre-procedural simulation of the procedure, which may contribute to successful closure.