Abstract

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) printed models have been recently introduced for diagnosis and preprocedural planning for percutaneous interventions or surgery in cardiovascular disease.

CASE REPORT: We treated a 71-year-old woman with angina. Although we performed coronary angiography, we could not engage the catheters for the left coronary artery (LCA). Then, we withdrew the catheter and examined her anatomy using coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). The CCTA revealed that the LCA originated from the noncoronary cusp (NCC). Because anomalous LCA originating from the NCC is a rare congenital anomaly, percutaneous coronary intervention was considered difficult. We decided to use a 3D-printed model, which enabled us to clearly see the anatomy and simulation before the actual procedure, which went smoothly according to the preprocedural planning using the 3D printed model. 3D printed modeling is feasible for use in reproducing coronary artery anatomy and enhancing understanding of coronary abnormalities.

CONCLUSIONS: Use of 3D-printed models is a useful new option that can help visualize the anatomy and perform preprocedural planning for complex cases.

Keywords: Coronary Vessel Anomalies, Imaging, Three-Dimensional, percutaneous coronary intervention, Aged, Angina Pectoris, Coronary Angiography, drug-eluting stents, Tomography, X-Ray Computed