Across industries worldwide, 3D printing technology has brought many benefits — some even life-changing. Recently in Singapore, this was demonstrated at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) cardiology service.
In January 2016, a nine-year-old girl underwent surgery for a complex congenital heart condition. What made this procedure unique was that doctors had a 3D printed replica of her heart created before entering the operating theatre.
In collaboration with Materialise and KK Hospital, Creatz3D developed eight different 3D printed heart models for complex congenital conditions. These anatomically accurate models were created from patient-specific data and used during the workshop “Surgical Morphology and Imaging of Congenital Heart Disease” held on 21 September 2016.
Using professional printers such as the Stratasys Connex 500, these models provided critical benefits for doctors. Firstly, they offered surgeons a tangible way to manipulate and visualize the patient’s anatomy — something impossible with traditional imaging. Printed in rubber-like materials, the models also enabled surgeons to rehearse procedures with actual surgical tools, offering invaluable tactile feedback.
Dr Chen noted that while MRI or CT scans are sufficient for simple cases, in complex conditions 3D printed models can reveal critical insights that might otherwise be missed.
Secondly, these models enhanced communication with patients’ families. Parents could see and hold the model of their child’s heart, increasing confidence in the surgical plan and improving peace of mind before and after surgery.
Pediatric surgeries are particularly challenging due to smaller anatomy. With congenital heart cases, the combination of small chest cavities and surgical complexity makes planning even harder. Scaled-up models — sometimes two or three times larger than the actual anatomy — allowed surgeons to uncover new surgical approaches and safer methods.
While patient-specific models have been used in reconstructive surgery in Singapore, their application in heart operations is more recent. Although costs may seem high, the potential to avoid repeat surgeries and improve recovery makes 3D printed models an important advancement in medical care.
At Creatz3D, we are committed to working with customers to identify and implement the best solutions for their unique needs. This collaboration with KK Hospital is a clear example of how 3D printing can transform healthcare delivery.
For further information or to explore similar collaborations, please contact us at info@creatz3d.com or ☎️ +65 6631 8555.
