Personalized 3D-printed heart models to plan VAD surgery for congenital heart disease
Official title: A Study Implementing Models for Mechanical Circulatory Support Presurgical Assessment in Congenital Heart Disease Treatment (IMMPACT)
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11134573 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses personalized 3D-printed heart models to help surgeons plan ventricular assist device and cannula placement for people with congenital heart disease and heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $170,856 |
| NIH project number | 5K23HL165083-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11134573 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with complex congenital heart disease and heart failure who are being considered for ventricular assist device or cannula placement at a participating center are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Those without congenital heart disease, patients not requiring VADs or cannulas, or patients whose imaging cannot produce usable 3D models are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
What this research studies
If I have complex congenital heart disease and heart failure, doctors would use my CT or MRI scans to make a personalized 3D-printed model of my heart. In this multicenter trial, patients are randomly assigned to surgical planning with a 3D model or to standard 2D imaging alone. Surgeons will use the models to plan where to place ventricular assist devices and cannulas, and researchers will compare how each approach helps guide the operation. The study aims to show whether 3D models improve visualization and planning before VAD implantation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, 3D heart models could improve pre-surgical planning, reduce surprises during VAD operations, and make device placement safer for people with complex congenital heart disease.
How similar studies have gone: 3D-printed heart models have helped surgical planning in other cardiac procedures, but randomized evidence specifically for VAD planning in congenital heart disease is limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farooqi, Kanwal Majeed — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Farooqi, Kanwal Majeed
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.