3D Modeling for Heart Procedures

What is 3D modeling for heart procedures?

3D modeling turns medical images into a digital 3D version of your child’s heart. Providers can look inside the model and study its structures in detail.

Care teams can then use 3D printing to turn the digital model into a physical replica. Some printed models even mimic heart tissue for hands-on surgical planning.

How UCSF creates 3D heart models

UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals specialists start with CT, MRI or ultrasound images. A biomedical engineer and imaging experts turn the scans into an exact digital replica of your child’s heart.

Heart specialists then choose the format best suited to your child's procedure:

• Digital model. Providers rotate the heart, examine its structures from different perspectives and perform virtual surgical planning.

• Virtual, augmented or mixed reality. These tools let surgeons explore the heart’s anatomy more interactively.

• 3D-printed model. Surgeons can hold the physical replica and rehearse some parts of the procedure.

Our Heart Center team discusses these 3D models in collaborative meetings for surgical planning. Surgeons, cardiologists and other specialists work together, using the 3D model to shape the plan.

How UCSF uses 3D models

Our team may use 3D heart models for:

• Complex congenital heart defect repairs. Models reveal unusual connections among the heart’s structures.

• Ventricular assist device (VAD) placement. Virtual planning helps providers assess whether a device fits a baby or small child.

• Heart valve procedures. Providers can test possible placements before the procedure.

• Other complex heart surgeries. Models can clarify anatomy that standard views may not show as clearly.

Benefits of 3D modeling for heart procedures

Before a procedure, 3D modeling can reveal potential risks and help specialists plan around them. We can show your family the model to explain your child's condition, treatment options and planned procedure.

Heart models can also make procedures safer because they:

• Lower the risk of errors during surgery

• Reduce the chance of another surgery

• Shorten the procedure

• Support a faster recovery and better patient outcomes

Why choose UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals for 3D heart modeling?

We're among the few hospitals nationwide that routinely use 3D technologies for complex pediatric heart procedures. Our 3D heart modeling program is unique in the U.S.

Heart specialists, imaging experts and biomedical engineers bring different perspectives to your child's procedure plan. Our physician-scientists continually study new ways to use 3D technologies to improve pediatric heart care.

UCSF has one of the nation's best survival rates for pediatric heart surgery. We combine that experience with individualized planning and clear guidance to help families feel prepared for what comes next.

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your child's doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your child's provider.