*Some graphics used in this video belong to Boston Scientific. These graphics are being used for educational purposes only. All rights belong to Boston Scientific.
Hospitals require a more patient-specific approach for treating patients with Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) who will undergo the LAAO procedure with the WATCHMAN device. Due to each patient’s unique anatomical appendage structure and the current limitations of the imaging technology used to visualize the patient’s anatomy, physicians are unable to pre-procedural plan for optimal success. An improved methodology for a more comprehensive patient assessment prior to the LAAO procedure with the WATCHMAN device is needed in order for interventional cardiologists to better plan for the patient’s unique anatomical structures, more specifically to better identify the optimal trans-septal puncture location and WATCHMAN device size, prior to the procedure to prevent unnecessary complications.
The goal of this design project is to develop a utility for simulation and accurate pre-procedural planning for the LAAO procedure with the WATCHMAN device on a patient-specific basis:
In order to improve pre-procedural planning, a 3D computational model is generated from a patient's CT images. Then, the computational model is 3D printed using a Formlabs Form 2 3D printer with Elastic Resin. Procedural simulation testing is then performed within the designed simulation tank to test and validate the design.
Step-by-Step Overview:
A patient-specific CT based 3D printed model is created using 3D Slicer for generating the holistic model and is exported into Meshmixer to render the model.
The rendered model will be printed via the Formlabs Form 2 3D Printer with Elastic Resin.
For procedural simulation, a custom water tank is fabricated in order to mimic the body’s fluidic environment and anatomy.
The procedural simulation will improve pre-procedural planning through being able to identify the optimal trans-septal puncture location and WATCHMAN device size.