Personalized 3D-printed heart models to plan VAD surgery for congenital heart disease

A Study Implementing Models for Mechanical Circulatory Support Presurgical Assessment in Congenital Heart Disease Treatment (IMMPACT)

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11134573

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11134573 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: 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.

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 performed: 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

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.