Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41776532›Full record

ArticleJournal of cardiothoracic surgery2026

The application of 3D printing technology in minimally invasive coronary artery bypass.

Zhejun Zhang, Miao Liu, Shuo Liang, Wensi Wang, Yin Yang, Jinghui Li, Dong Wei, Lianqun Wang

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of cardiothoracic surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Zhejun ZhangDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Miao LiuTianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Shuo LiangDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Wensi WangDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Yin YangDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Jinghui LiDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Dong WeiDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Lianqun WangDepartment of Cardiovascular surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China. lianqun1964@hotmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundMinimally invasive cardiac surgery has gained importance for preserving sternum stability, reducing pulmonary complications, and enabling faster recovery. Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass (MICAB), a newer technique, involves bypassing coronary arteries with minimally invasive methods. Key challenges include determining the appropriate length of saphenous vein grafts (SVG), as errors in graft length can compromise the procedure.

objectiveThe aim of the study was to develop a 3D model of the patient’s heart and coronary system using 3D printing technology to help with preoperative visualization, graft placement, and the determination of the optimal graft length for MICAB surgery.

methods20 patients with multivessel coronary artery disease were selected. Preoperatively, coronary CT scans were performed, followed by 3D reconstruction and modeling. Subsequently, patient-specific models were printed using stereolithography (SLA) technology. Under general anesthesia, a minimally invasive approach via left anterior mini-thoracotomy was used to perform MIDCAB. 30 days after surgery, coronary CT scans were performed to assess graft patency and morphology. Estimated length of vein graft was measured based on 3D heart model, while actual length of vein graft was obtained though postoperative CT scan.

resultsThe study demonstrated the feasibility and accuracy of using 3D-printed models for preoperative vein graft length estimation in MICAB. The mean difference between estimated and actual graft lengths was small, with excellent correlation between preoperative simulations and intraoperative findings. postoperative outcomes showed 100% graft patency with no in-hospital mortality.

conclusionThe study concludes that 3D printing technology is a reliable tool for preoperative planning in MICAB. It enhances surgical precision, reduces intraoperative adjustments, and improves patient outcomes, though further studies are needed to explore long-term effects and optimize workflow.

Indexed as

Coronary Artery BypassCoronary Artery DiseaseMinimally Invasive Surgical ProceduresPrinting, Three-DimensionalAgedFemaleHumansImaging, Three-DimensionalMaleMiddle AgedTomography, X-Ray Computed3D printingCABGMinimally invasive sugery

Identifiers

PMID41776532
PMCPMC13220458

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