New grant to create 3D models of heart defects

New 3D modelling techniques which could give a more realistic view of heart defects in patients are being researched at Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London, thanks to a grant from Heart Research UK.

The project will use an advanced engineering technique to produce a collection of realistic 3D models of structural heart defects which are unique to individual patients. These will provide valuable educational tools, and help with surgical planning and device development to benefit patients.

These models may then contribute towards the development of better treatments, including new devices and – potentially – surgical procedures.

The three-year project is being led by Professor Andrew Taylor from University College London and Great Ormond Street Hospital and has received a grant of £186,000 from national charity Heart Research UK.

Patients with congenital heart disease – heart defects that are present from birth – often need to have complex procedures to correct the defect and there can be large differences between patients with the same condition. The models, being unique to each patient, may improve clinical decision-making by helping doctors to select which patients are most suitable for particular treatments.

They may also help with surgical planning, allowing clinicians to establish and rehearse the best way to carry out a procedure, thus reducing time in the operating theatre and improving outcomes for patients.

The project combines cardiology and engineering, and will create a library of realistic cardiac models based on a broad range of congenital heart diseases.

Prof Taylor said: "This project brings together technical advances in cardiovascular imaging, computer science and biomedical engineering. What we want to do is translate these novel technologies into clinical practice, not only to see if we can improve current treatments and potentially develop new ones, but also to see if the heart models we build of individual patients can help them and their parents better understand the treatments they will undergo. Also, such a library of congenital heart disease models will represent a unique teaching resource for those trying to understand the complexities of these rare conditions."

The benefits of new cardiac devices will also be tested by physically inserting them into the models. In addition, the models will be incorporated into a ‘mock circulatory system’ to study features such as patterns of blood flow in individual patients using sophisticated medical imaging techniques.

Barbara Harpham, National Director of Heart Research UK, said: “Research into heart disease has come a long way since our charity began funding developments in new techniques and treatments, and this project has real possibilities in giving clinicians a more realistic view of heart defects so that patients can have more targeted treatment. We wish the team success in developing it further so that one day patients may begin to feel its benefits.”