3D Printed Heart Models Help Doctors Size Cardiac Device?

Dr. James Otton says a 3D printed image helps reveal the complexities of the human heart--particularly useful for fitting the recently FDA-approved Watchman heart device. The models allow for test fitting and sizing within the orifice of the left atrial appendage. Dr. Otton and a team of Australian researchers prepared 3D printed, life-size replicas of a patient's heart to help them decode situations where "the anatomy is complex and the interaction between the device and the appendage is difficult to quantify, even using advanced imaging methods." You can read the whole story here: http://3dprint.com/83076/watchman-3d-printed-heart/


Below is a photo (credit: Dr. Otton) of the Watchman device inside the 3D printed model:
http://3dprint.com/wp-content/upload...m-dr-otton.jpg