Prediction of Left Atrial Appendage Occluder Size Based on a 3D Printed Model Method Design

This paper describes the design of a method to simulate the implantation of an Amulet-type occluder using a 3D model of the left atrium appendage. A methodology was developed for the 3D printing of left atrial models followed by simulation of implantation. CT DICOM data for creating the 3D model were obtained from a retrospective cohort of patients with left atrial appendage occluder closure. These data were used to print 3D models, and a simulation of the Amulet occluder implantation was performed on these models. A demo set of all sizes was tested to select the most optimal size. The success of the methodology was verified in all 33 patients. The average left atrial modeling time was 11.3 min, and the average printing time was 4:40 hours. With a resin consumption of 21.2 mL, the average cost per model is $2. The final methodology has become a routine part of preoperative planning in patients prior to left atrial appendage closure, and prospective data will answer whether it contributes to a decrease in operative time, radiation dose during surgery, and number of repositions. Any improvements may contribute to reducing the cost of implantation.