Table 2.

Limitations of 3D printing in congenital heart surgery and future direction.

Limitations

• Insufficient objective evidence of the usefulness of 3D printing in congenital heart surgery • Long 3D modeling and printing process • High cost • Limited physical properties of print materials for simulation of surgical procedures • Difficulty in reproduction of cardiac valves and tension apparatuses

Future direction

• Improvement of spatial and temporal resolution of imaging technology • Improvement of printing technology such as high-resolution silicone-based printers and fast printers • Improvement of physical properties of print materials • Insurance coverage of 3D printing as standard medical service • 3D bioprinting