Topic: Current Progress and Applications of 3D Printing Technology in Medical Education, Clinical Training and Surgical Planning of Cardiovascular Disease

3D printing technology has been increasingly used in the medical field, offering tremendous promise in the diagnosis, treatment, and education related to cardiovascular disease. With rapid advancement in printing technologies and the growing availability of diverse printing materials, it is now possible to create highly accurate, patient-specific anatomical models that replicate cardiovascular structures and pathologies. 3D printed heart and vascular models are shown to enhance learning anatomy, improve communication with patients/or healthcare professionals, guide surgical planning of complex cardiac surgeries, and develop optimal computed tomography protocols for lowering radiation dose when imaging cardiovascular disease or follow-up of surgical treatment. This Special Issue seeks to gather high-quality submissions that showcase the latest progress and innovative applications of 3D printing technology in the context of cardiovascular disease. 

Recommended topics include:

● Update on 3D printing technologies and printing materials;

● Use of 3D printing technology in medical education of cardiovascular anatomy and disease;

● Clinical applications of 3D printing technology in heart disease, especially congenital heart disease;

● Clinical value of 3D printed models in pre-surgical planning of cardiovascular disease;

● Clinical value of 3D printed models in simulation of surgical planning;

● Improving patient communication through 3D-printed models;

● 3D printed models in vascular disease;

● 3D printed models in valvular heart disease;

● Optimization of CT scanning protocols using 3D-printed models;

● 3D bioprinting in cardiovascular disease;

● Combining 3D printing with virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance visualization of cardiovascular disease.