Surgical Aortic Valve Model

thingiverse

I am a cardiac surgical resident in the UK, and I was fed up with the limited availability of surgical models for practice purposes. To fill this gap, I purchased the Anet A8 for use in this project. After five versions, I have developed a model that is anatomically accurate as viewed by the operating surgeon, with a diameter of approximately 25mm. This model can be used to practice aortotomy or incisions for root enlargement procedures, and it also allows surgeons to practice placing annular sutures. Additionally, this model can be used to practice sizing and implanting prosthetic valves. I have uploaded a copy of the model with the leaflets still in place so that users can better appreciate its anatomy. However, practicing annular decalcification on this model is not straightforward. To address this limitation, I have also uploaded a version with the aortotomy pre-designed, which is ideal for practicing suture placement. I hope you find this model as useful as I do, and I encourage you to leave comments or create remixes to help improve it further. I would like to extend my gratitude to Prof Mahmoud Loubani and Mr. David O'Regan for their valuable input in designing and implementing the model.