A Simple Model for Variant Congenital Cardiac Anomalies

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, echocardiography, computed tomography and angiocardiography are used to detect the anatomy of congenital cardiac defects. Either pediatric cardiologists or cardiac surgeons mentally reconstruct these images into a vague imaginary three-dimensional heart, but such an image usually includes unnecessary surrounding structures which may mask the defects to be detected. Method: We use a perspective view model to draw a more stereoscopic picture of complex hearts instead of the simple two-dimensional sketch. With this model we have the ability to display cardiovascular anatomy in a three-dimensional structure to increase the understanding and appreciation of the complex spatial relationships in the majority of congenital hearts. Results: Through these drawn images the physiology and structural defects of hearts may be understood more easily and explained more clearly in comparison to two-dimensional representations. Conclusion: The simple perspective drawing is not used to replace the three-dimensional examinations, but it is helpful in reconstructing a model of the heart based on the information we obtain through serial examinations, and such a model may be used to teach medical students, as well as to explain defects to patients' families.

3D‐model - perspective cardiac model - ACM - TGA - IAI/IVI - IIAI

References

• 1 Van Praagh R. The segmental approach to diagnosis in congenital heart disease.  Birth Defects (Original Article Series). 1972;  8 4-22
• 2 Goor D A, Dische R, Lillehei C W. The conotruncus. Its normal inversion and conus absorption.  Circulation. 1972;  46 375-385
• 3 Jonas R A. Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Stenosis. Comprehensive Surgical Management of Congenital Heart Disease. London; Arnold 2004
• 4 De la Cruz M V, Arteaga M, Espino-Vela J, Quen-Jiménez M. Complete transposition of the great arteries: types and morphogenesis of ventriculo-arterial discordance.  Am Heart J. 1981;  102 271-281
• 5 Rosenquist G C, Sweeney L J. Anomalous semilunar valve relationships in transposition of the great arteries.  Ped Cardiol. 1982;  2 195-202
• 6 Anderson R H, Wilkinson J L, Arnold R, Becker A E. Morphogenesis of bulboventricular malformations II. Observations on malformed hearts.  Brit Heart J. 1974;  36 948-970
• 7 Van Praagh R, Perez-Trevino C, Lopez-Cuellar M, Baker F W. Transposition of the great arteries with posterior aorta, anterior pulmonary artery, subpulmonary conus and fibrous continuity between aortic and atrioventricular valves.  Am J of Cardiology. 1971;  28 621-631
• 8 Van Praagh R. Transposition of the great arteries: history, pathologic anatomy, embryology, etiology, and surgical consideration.  Cardiac Surgery: State of the Art Reviews. 1991;  5 7-83
• 9 Van Praagh R, Geva T, Van Praagh S. Segmental situs in congenital heart disease: recent rare findings. Clark EB, Takao A Development Cardiology: Morphogenesis and Function. Mount Kisco, NY; Future Publishing Co. 1990
• 10 Quero-Jiménez M, Raposo-Sonnenfeld I. Isolated ventricular inversion with situs solitus.  Brit Heart J. 1975;  37 293-304
• 11 Van Praagh R, Van Praagh S. Isolated ventricular inversion. A consideration of the morphogensis, definition and diagnosis of nontransposed and transposed great arteries.  Am J of Cardiology. 1966;  17 395-406
• 12 Van Praagh R, Durnin R E, Jockin H, Wagner H R. Anatomically corrected malposition of the great arteries (S.D.L).  Circulation. 1975;  51 20-31