A 3D printed exoskeleton facilitates HeartMate III inflow cannula position

The optimal placement of the inflow cannula is critical for adequate ventricular unloading and device function in left ventricular assist device implantation. The anatomy of the left ventricle varies widely between patients yielding unpredictable surgical results depending on cannula position. We therefore aimed at devising a novel approach for optimal placement of the cannula in the clinical setting using computer-aided three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and 3D printed guiding exoskeleton. This novel cannula positioning technique provides a personalized left ventricular assist device implantation considering the anatomical aspects of the implantation before the surgery.