The Importance of Pre-Operative Imaging and 3-D Printing in Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve-in-Valve Replacement

Abstract

Pre-operative multimodality imaging has become an integral part of the planning and execution of transcatheter heart valve procedures. 3D printing of a patient-specific cardiac model is a novel addition to these procedures. This case report discusses the use of pre-operative multimodality imaging, intra-operative fusion imaging, and 3D printing as valuable adjuncts in the planning and simulation of complex structural heart procedures. We describe the case of a 44-year-old woman with prior tricuspid bioprosthetic valve replacement and mechanical mitral valve replacement who presented with dyspnea and palpitations. The patient was diagnosed with severe tricuspid bioprosthestic valve failure, was deemed high risk for surgical re-intervention, and subsequently underwent successful tricuspid valve-in-valve replacement with a SAPIEN XT valve.

Keywords: 3D printing; Fusion imaging; Multimodality imaging; Transcatheter valve replacement; Valve-in-valve.