3D heart models helping surgeons prepare for complex operations in Birmingham
Researchers say technology gives a clearer understanding of congenital conditions before surgery
Researchers at Aston University are developing ways to turn medical scans into 3D models of babies’ hearts to support complex surgery.
The team uses CT scans — which produce 2D, X-ray-based images — and stacks them together to create a full 3D structure of the heart. By identifying the boundaries within each scan, they can build what’s described as a digital version of the organ.
Dr Antonio Fratini, a reader in Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Engineering for Health Research Centre, said the work helps bridge the gap between how images are viewed and how surgeons operate.
“Radiologists look at 2D images, but surgeons work in 3D,” he explained.
The models are particularly useful in cases of congenital heart disease, where the structure of the heart can vary significantly from patient to patient.
“In some cases, these are completely different,” he said. “They have very specific anatomical alterations.”
He added that having a 3D model — whether digital or physical — helps surgeons better understand the space inside the heart and plan how to approach an operation, including where to enter and what type of intervention may be needed.
The models can also be used for training, giving clinicians the opportunity to better understand complex procedures before carrying them out.