Three-Dimensional Printing of Models for Preoperative Planning and Simulation of Transcatheter Valve Replacement

In this study, we show the use of three-dimensional printing models for preoperative planning of transcatheter valve replacement in a patient with an extreme porcelain aorta. A 70-year-old man with severe aortic stenosis and a porcelain aorta was referred to our center for transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Unfortunately, the patient died after the procedure because of a potential ischemic event. Therefore, we decided to fabricate three-dimensional models to evaluate the potential effects of these constructs for previous surgical planning and simulation of the transcatheter valve replacement. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;93:e31-3) (C) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons