**7. Outlook and considerations for future research**

Based on a single-centre experience, 3D printing can present several relevant uses for the study and communication around CHD. Such a revolutionary manufacturing technique allows to generate, in a relatively short time and at a relatively affordable cost, patient-specific models, which—as discussed— are particularly relevant when referring to unique anatomical arrange‐ ments, as often the case in CHD. Based on our Centre's experience, as briefly outlined in this chapter, uses range from testing novel devices and appreciating patient suitability for a specific device, providing additional insight into a particular anatomy, allowing for performing parametric studies and validating computational models, as well as representing a medium for implementing PPI/E in this area of medicine. A few considerations are necessary with regard to the future uses of 3D printing for CHD, including

**•** Image availability: the creation of 3D models is, of course, dependent on the availability of imaging data (CMR, CT) and of 3D datasets within the imaging protocol; this should be taken into account when considering which patients could potentially receive a 3D model or for which cases a 3D model could be created, e.g. for aiding decision-making (i.e. if there is no clinical indication for imaging, then a model will not be available for that case).

technical jargon and heart outlines from CMR. This innovative approach presents yet one more use for 3D-printed models and for the possibility of expression offered by this technology.

136 New Trends in 3D Printing

**Figure 12.** Installation of 3D models under bell jars, as part of Sofie Layton's piece 'Under the Microscope'. While most models have a medical appearance, 3D technology is allowed to manipulate the data and scale it to create, for instance, a small bronze heart (right) which the artist chose to suspend in one of the bell jars. Image courtesy of Stephen King.

Based on a single-centre experience, 3D printing can present several relevant uses for the study and communication around CHD. Such a revolutionary manufacturing technique allows to generate, in a relatively short time and at a relatively affordable cost, patient-specific models, which—as discussed— are particularly relevant when referring to unique anatomical arrange‐ ments, as often the case in CHD. Based on our Centre's experience, as briefly outlined in this chapter, uses range from testing novel devices and appreciating patient suitability for a specific device, providing additional insight into a particular anatomy, allowing for performing parametric studies and validating computational models, as well as representing a medium for implementing PPI/E in this area of medicine. A few considerations are necessary with

**7. Outlook and considerations for future research**

regard to the future uses of 3D printing for CHD, including


engineers (on the technical side) and clinicians (on the user side). The patients' perspective is also important, especially for using models for communication purposes, and a PPI/E framework should be advocated for such applications.
