Home Medical Scientists 3D Print Arteries to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Scientists 3D Print Arteries to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Engineers at the University of Melbourne collaborated with cardiologists to develop a method for creating 3D models of arteries that help them combat heart diseases.

The process allows cardiologists to obtain detailed patient-specific 3D printed models, using a camera thinner than a human hair to capture high-resolution 3D images within the arteries. As each heart is different, the model provides doctors with patient-specific information that enables them to choose stents that fit the patient’s arteries best.

Using our ultra-sensitive heart scans combined with models derived using supercomputers, we are now able to print out segments of the patient’s arteries and we hope to tailor devices to fit them perfectly,” explains Associate Professor Peter Barlis.

images taken by the camera inside the artery; Image: screenshot Youtube
images taken by the camera inside the artery; Image: screenshot Youtube

According to the research team, the new process could help lower the risk of heart disease and other heart-related conditions. Eventually, doctors should be able to 3D print an artery model while the patient is in surgery. Moreover, a custom stent could then be 3D printed to exactly fit the the patient’s artery.


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