Personalized three-dimensional printed coronary artery models for accurate assessment of coronary stenosis using high resolution imaging modality

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing shows great potential in the medical field with a wide range of clinical applications. 3D printed models based on patient’s imaging data are reported to develop optimal visualization of coronary plaques and accurate assessment of coronary stenosis caused by extensive calcification. This editorial highlights the usefulness of personalized 3D printed coronary models for determination of coronary stenosis using high resolution synchrotron radiation technique. Ultra-high synchrotron radiation CT images were reconstructed with slice thicknesses between 0.095 and 0.491 mm to study the effect of different spatial resolutions on assessment of coronary stenosis. Intraluminal plaque appearances were also visualized and compared between different coronary CT protocols.