Using 3D printed models to improve heart surgery planning for children with 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-10894262

This study is looking at how using personalized 3D printed heart models can help doctors plan surgeries better for patients with complex heart conditions, making it easier to place devices that support heart function.

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-10894262 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of personalized 3D printed models to enhance pre-surgical planning for patients with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). By creating accurate 3D representations of individual patients' cardiac anatomy, the study aims to improve the visualization of ventricular assist device (VAD) and cannula placement. The approach involves a multicenter randomized control trial comparing the effectiveness of these 3D models against traditional 2D imaging methods. Patients with CHD and heart failure will be the focus, as their unique anatomical challenges can complicate surgical procedures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with congenital heart disease and heart failure who may require surgical intervention.

Not a fit: Patients without congenital heart disease or those who do not require surgical procedures may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical outcomes and better management of patients with congenital heart disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using 3D modeling for surgical planning, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

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.