High-resolution 3D reconstructions of human vasculatures: creation of educational tools and benchtop models for transcatheter devices.

Transcatheter therapies are a common way to treat cardiovascular diseases. These therapies are complicated by significant anatomical patient-to-patient variations that exist in terms of transcatheter vascular pathways. Adding to the complexity of transcatheter procedures, the training tools used for physician education often overlook vast patient-to-patient variations and utilize idealized models of patient anatomy that may be unrealistic.

First Successful Open-Heart Surgery Utilizing Cross-Circulation in 1954.

A pioneering surgeon at the University of Minnesota, Dr C. Walton Lillehei, is still considered the "father of open-heart surgery". Dr Lillehei and his surgical team performed the first open-heart operations utilizing cross-circulation, including the first successful ventricular septal defect closure on a 3-year-old boy.

Algorithm for the analysis of pre-extraction computed tomographic images to evaluate implanted lead-lead interactions and lead-vascular attachments.

Background: The number of lead extractions is growing because of the greater population and increasing age of individuals with a cardiac implantable electronic device. Lead extraction procedures can be complex undertakings with risk of significant mortality, and vascular tears in the superior vena cava are of greatest concern.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to study whether a novel algorithm that analyzes pre-extraction computed tomographic (CT) images can determine the likelihood and location of lead-lead interactions and lead-vessel attachment within patients' venous vasculatures.