scholarly journals Recent Applications of Three Dimensional Printing in Cardiovascular Medicine

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Gardin ◽  
Letizia Ferroni ◽  
Christian Latremouille ◽  
Juan Carlos Chachques ◽  
Dinko Mitrečić ◽  
...  

Three dimensional (3D) printing, which consists in the conversion of digital images into a 3D physical model, is a promising and versatile field that, over the last decade, has experienced a rapid development in medicine. Cardiovascular medicine, in particular, is one of the fastest growing area for medical 3D printing. In this review, we firstly describe the major steps and the most common technologies used in the 3D printing process, then we present current applications of 3D printing with relevance to the cardiovascular field. The technology is more frequently used for the creation of anatomical 3D models useful for teaching, training, and procedural planning of complex surgical cases, as well as for facilitating communication with patients and their families. However, the most attractive and novel application of 3D printing in the last years is bioprinting, which holds the great potential to solve the ever-increasing crisis of organ shortage. In this review, we then present some of the 3D bioprinting strategies used for fabricating fully functional cardiovascular tissues, including myocardium, heart tissue patches, and heart valves. The implications of 3D bioprinting in drug discovery, development, and delivery systems are also briefly discussed, in terms of in vitro cardiovascular drug toxicity. Finally, we describe some applications of 3D printing in the development and testing of cardiovascular medical devices, and the current regulatory frameworks that apply to manufacturing and commercialization of 3D printed products.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Šljivić ◽  
Dragoljub Mirjanić ◽  
Nataša Šljivić ◽  
Cristiano Fragassa ◽  
Ana Pavlović

The Additive manufacturing 3D printing is a process of creating a three dimensional solid objects or rapid prototyping of 3D models from a digital file, which builds layer by layer. The 3D bioprinting is a form sophisticated of 3D printing technology involving cells and tissues for the production of tissue for regenerative medicine, which is also built layer by layer into the area of human tissue or organ. This paper defines the modern methods and materials of the AM, which are used for the development of physical models and individually adjusted implants for 3D printing for medical purposes. The main classification of 3D printing and 3D bioprinting technologies are also defined by typical materials and a field of application. It is proven that 3D printing and 3D bioprinting techniques have a huge potential and a possibility to revolutionize the field of medicine.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Fishman ◽  
O Wasserzug ◽  
P Berman ◽  
E Golden ◽  
A DeRow

Abstract Background Three-dimensional (3D) printing is being employed in a variety of surgical specialties to improve patient care. These models enable preoperative in vitro planning, advanced resident training, and better patient education. 3D models of the tracheobronchial tree that can simulate bronchoscopy and 3D printed cricoid cartilage models for balloon dilation training have been reported. A 3D model for preoperative planning of open laryngotracheal surgery has not been reported. Objectives The objective of this study was to report preliminary results with the employment of 3D printing technology for preoperative planning of laryngotracheoplasty (LTP) and cricotracheal resection (CTR). Materials and Methods Actual-size 3D models of the upper airway, from the level of the base of tongue to the level of the carina, have been created by the surgical 3D printing lab in the medical center. The models were based on computed tomography of two patients who were scheduled for LTP and CTR. The models were composed of several elements: the framework of the larynx and the trachea, the air column, the cannula, and the peri-stomal region. Results Two models were created, a model of a patient with grade III subglottic stenosis who subsequently underwent LTP and a model of a patient with grade IV subglottic stenosis who subsequently underwent CTR and end to end anastomosis. The 3D models were found to be useful for preoperative planning of the incision site in the trachea, the status of the tracheal and laryngeal framework, the length of the diseased segment, and the length of the rib cartilage graft to be harvested. Conclusions The preliminary results of this study imply that 3D models can be useful for preoperative planning of open laryngotracheal surgery. Further experience is required to establish its efficacy, the optimal model design, and cost effectiveness.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4065
Author(s):  
Tiziana Fischetti ◽  
Gemma Di Pompo ◽  
Nicola Baldini ◽  
Sofia Avnet ◽  
Gabriela Graziani

Bone cancer, both primary and metastatic, is characterized by a low survival rate. Currently, available models lack in mimicking the complexity of bone, of cancer, and of their microenvironment, leading to poor predictivity. Three-dimensional technologies can help address this need, by developing predictive models that can recapitulate the conditions for cancer development and progression. Among the existing tools to obtain suitable 3D models of bone cancer, 3D printing and bioprinting appear very promising, as they enable combining cells, biomolecules, and biomaterials into organized and complex structures that can reproduce the main characteristic of bone. The challenge is to recapitulate a bone-like microenvironment for analysis of stromal–cancer cell interactions and biological mechanics leading to tumor progression. In this review, existing approaches to obtain in vitro 3D-printed and -bioprinted bone models are discussed, with a focus on the role of biomaterials selection in determining the behavior of the models and its degree of customization. To obtain a reliable 3D bone model, the evaluation of different polymeric matrices and the inclusion of ceramic fillers is of paramount importance, as they help reproduce the behavior of both normal and cancer cells in the bone microenvironment. Open challenges and future perspectives are discussed to solve existing shortcomings and to pave the way for potential development strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Yasaman Delkash ◽  
Maxence Gouin ◽  
Tanguy Rimbeault ◽  
Fatemeh Mohabatpour ◽  
Petros Papagerakis ◽  
...  

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is an emerging fabrication technique to create 3D constructs with living cells. Notably, bioprinting bioinks are limited due to the mechanical weakness of natural biomaterials and the low bioactivity of synthetic peers. This paper presents the development of a natural bioink from chicken eggwhite and sodium alginate for bioprinting cell-laden patches to be used in endothelialized tissue engineering applications. Eggwhite was utilized for enhanced biological properties, while sodium alginate was used to improve bioink printability. The rheological properties of bioinks with varying amounts of sodium alginate were examined with the results illustrating that 2.0–3.0% (w/v) sodium alginate was suitable for printing patch constructs. The printed patches were then characterized mechanically and biologically, and the results showed that the printed patches exhibited elastic moduli close to that of natural heart tissue (20–27 kPa) and more than 94% of the vascular endothelial cells survived in the examination period of one week post 3D bioprinting. Our research also illustrated the printed patches appropriate water uptake ability (>1800%).


Author(s):  
Earnest P. Chen ◽  
Zeren Toksoy ◽  
Bruce A. Davis ◽  
John P. Geibel

With a limited supply of organ donors and available organs for transplantation, the aim of tissue engineering with three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology is to construct fully functional and viable tissue and organ replacements for various clinical applications. 3D bioprinting allows for the customization of complex tissue architecture with numerous combinations of materials and printing methods to build different tissue types, and eventually fully functional replacement organs. The main challenge of maintaining 3D printed tissue viability is the inclusion of complex vascular networks for nutrient transport and waste disposal. Rapid development and discoveries in recent years have taken huge strides toward perfecting the incorporation of vascular networks in 3D printed tissue and organs. In this review, we will discuss the latest advancements in fabricating vascularized tissue and organs including novel strategies and materials, and their applications. Our discussion will begin with the exploration of printing vasculature, progress through the current statuses of bioprinting tissue/organoids from bone to muscles to organs, and conclude with relevant applications for in vitro models and drug testing. We will also explore and discuss the current limitations of vascularized tissue engineering and some of the promising future directions this technology may bring.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Wang ◽  
Hongning Song ◽  
Yuanting Yang ◽  
Quan Cao ◽  
Yugang Hu ◽  
...  

Abstract Three-dimensional (3D) printing is widely used in medicine. Most research remains focused on forming rigid anatomical models, but moving from static models to dynamic functionality could greatly aid preoperative surgical planning. This work reviews literature on dynamic 3D heart models made of flexible materials for use with a mock circulatory system. Such models allow simulation of surgical procedures under mock physiological conditions, and are; therefore, potentially very useful to clinical practice. For example, anatomical models of mitral regurgitation could provide a better display of lesion area, while dynamic 3D models could further simulate in vitro hemodynamics. Dynamic 3D models could also be used in setting standards for certain parameters for function evaluation, such as flow reserve fraction in coronary heart disease. As a bridge between medical image and clinical aid, 3D printing is now gradually changing the traditional pattern of diagnosis and treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-226
Author(s):  
P Roshan Kumar ◽  
N Kalavathy ◽  
Mitha M Shetty ◽  
Archana K Sanketh ◽  
Rutuja Tidke

Three dimensional (3D) printing is the most widely used technology in reconstructive surgery to fabricate complex maxillofacial prosthesis. 3D Bioprinting, a combination of 3D printing and tissue engineering is a rapidly expanding technology in the field of regenerative medicine for autograft production. It is an additive manufacturing process in which there is computer-aided deposition of living cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) components with a biomaterial in particular combinations, for the fabrication of 3D biologically active tissue. In this review, we introduced the techniques, principles, limitations and future prospects of 3D bioprinting, a method that can open up new avenues in reconstructive surgery, by solving the problem of organ shortage and decreasing the donor site morbidity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee-Gyeong Yi ◽  
Hyeonji Kim ◽  
Junyoung Kwon ◽  
Yeong-Jin Choi ◽  
Jinah Jang ◽  
...  

AbstractRapid development of vaccines and therapeutics is necessary to tackle the emergence of new pathogens and infectious diseases. To speed up the drug discovery process, the conventional development pipeline can be retooled by introducing advanced in vitro models as alternatives to conventional infectious disease models and by employing advanced technology for the production of medicine and cell/drug delivery systems. In this regard, layer-by-layer construction with a 3D bioprinting system or other technologies provides a beneficial method for developing highly biomimetic and reliable in vitro models for infectious disease research. In addition, the high flexibility and versatility of 3D bioprinting offer advantages in the effective production of vaccines, therapeutics, and relevant delivery systems. Herein, we discuss the potential of 3D bioprinting technologies for the control of infectious diseases. We also suggest that 3D bioprinting in infectious disease research and drug development could be a significant platform technology for the rapid and automated production of tissue/organ models and medicines in the near future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 540-555
Author(s):  
Hayley L. Mickleburgh ◽  
Liv Nilsson Stutz ◽  
Harry Fokkens

Abstract The reconstruction of past mortuary rituals and practices increasingly incorporates analysis of the taphonomic history of the grave and buried body, using the framework provided by archaeothanatology. Archaeothanatological analysis relies on interpretation of the three-dimensional (3D) relationship of bones within the grave and traditionally depends on elaborate written descriptions and two-dimensional (2D) images of the remains during excavation to capture this spatial information. With the rapid development of inexpensive 3D tools, digital replicas (3D models) are now commonly available to preserve 3D information on human burials during excavation. A procedure developed using a test case to enhance archaeothanatological analysis and improve post-excavation analysis of human burials is described. Beyond preservation of static spatial information, 3D visualization techniques can be used in archaeothanatology to reconstruct the spatial displacement of bones over time, from deposition of the body to excavation of the skeletonized remains. The purpose of the procedure is to produce 3D simulations to visualize and test archaeothanatological hypotheses, thereby augmenting traditional archaeothanatological analysis. We illustrate our approach with the reconstruction of mortuary practices and burial taphonomy of a Bell Beaker burial from the site of Oostwoud-Tuithoorn, West-Frisia, the Netherlands. This case study was selected as the test case because of its relatively complete context information. The test case shows the potential for application of the procedure to older 2D field documentation, even when the amount and detail of documentation is less than ideal.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-69
Author(s):  
Amirhosein Fathi ◽  
Farzad Kermani ◽  
Aliasghar Behnamghader ◽  
Sara Banijamali ◽  
Masoud Mozafari ◽  
...  

AbstractOver the last years, three-dimensional (3D) printing has been successfully applied to produce suitable substitutes for treating bone defects. In this work, 3D printed composite scaffolds of polycaprolactone (PCL) and strontium (Sr)- and cobalt (Co)-doped multi-component melt-derived bioactive glasses (BGs) were prepared for bone tissue engineering strategies. For this purpose, 30% of as-prepared BG particles (size <38 μm) were incorporated into PCL, and then the obtained composite mix was introduced into a 3D printing machine to fabricate layer-by-layer porous structures with the size of 12 × 12 × 2 mm3.The scaffolds were fully characterized through a series of physico-chemical and biological assays. Adding the BGs to PCL led to an improvement in the compressive strength of the fabricated scaffolds and increased their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the PCL/BG scaffolds showed apatite-forming ability (i.e., bioactivity behavior) after being immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF). The in vitro cellular examinations revealed the cytocompatibility of the scaffolds and confirmed them as suitable substrates for the adhesion and proliferation of MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. In conclusion, 3D printed composite scaffolds made of PCL and Sr- and Co-doped BGs might be potentially-beneficial bone replacements, and the achieved results motivate further research on these materials.


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