  The aim of this study is to use image-processing techniques developed in the
field of astrophysics as inspiration for a novel approach to the
three-dimensional (3D) imaging of periprocedural medical data, with the
intention of providing improved visualisation of patient-specific heart
structure and thereby allowing for an improved quality of procedural planning
with regards to individualized cardiovascular healthcare. Using anonymized
patient DICOM data for a cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography,
two-dimensional slices of the patient's heart were processed using a series of
software packages in order to produce an accurate 3D representation of the
patient's heart tissue as a computer-generated stereolithography (STL) file,
followed by the creation of a tactile 3D printout. We find that the models
produced provide clear definition of heart structure, in particular in the left
atrium, left ventricle and aorta. This level of clarity also allows for the
aortic valve to be observed and 3D printed. This study provides a step-by-step
blueprint of how this can be achieved using open source software, specifically
Slicer 4.8.1, MeshLab and AutoDesk Netfabb. In addition, the implementation of
astrophysical image-processing techniques shows an improvement in modelling of
the heart based on the CT data, in particular in the case of small-scale
features where echocardiography has previously been required for more reliable
results.
