In Ohio, engineers and doctors are testing their use to improve artificial valve placement.
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A team at Ohio State University is printing 3D models of a specific patient's aorta - the main blood vessel from the heart.
With a simulator, they reproduce that person's blood flow, to chose the best valve, approach, and placement.
"Each of these valves are a little bit different, and every patient is a little bit different. Sizes are different, the location of the calcium and hardening of the valve is different," said Dr. Scott Lilly.
A better fit from the start cuts complications like leaks, heart blockages, and blood clots.
They say the 3D modeling has worked so far.
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And they predict that someday, it will be standard practice.
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