Doctors at UCLA recently utilized a 3D printed model of a patient's heart to perfect a particularly tricky surgical procedure. The patient, 66-year-old Richard Whitaker, was suffering from congestive heart failure and had extra-large pulmonary arteries.Dr. Jamil Aboulhosn turned to Materialise to have a 3D printed model made using a CT scan of Whitaker's chest, replicating his uniquely structured heart system and even the rigid calcium deposits within. Working with Dr. Daniel Levi and Dr. Morris Salem, a mock surgery on the model ultimately led to a fully successful surgery on Whitaker--no open heart procedure necessary. Whitaker was discharged and back on his feet within just four days. Check out more about this incredible procedure in the full article: http://3dprint.com/78520/3d-printed-...valve-surgery/


Below is a photo (source: UCLA Health Science) of doctor, patient, and 3D printed heart model: