3D Virtual modelling, 3D printing and extended reality for planning of implant procedure of short-term and long-term mechanical circulatory support devices and heart transplantation.

Introduction: The use of three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and printing technology, together with extended reality applied to advanced heart failure adult patients with complex anatomy, is rapidly spreading in clinical practice. We report practical experience with application to acute and chronic heart failure: planning and performing mechanical circulatory device insertion or heart transplantation.

Methods: From November 2019 until February 2022, 53 3D virtual biomodels were produced for intervention planning (using Virtual/Augmented Reality and/or 3D printing), following a specific segmentation and preprocessing workflow for biomodelling, in patients with advanced heart failure due to structural heart disease or cardiomyopathies.