Virtual reality modeling for multidisciplinary surgical planning for complex single ventricular physiology

Authors

• Anokha Nathan, College of Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA. anathan4@uchicago.edu.
• Dhruvil A. Patel, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
• Priya Nair, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
• Michael G. Earing, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
• Stephen Pophal, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow
• Madhusudan Ganigara, Advocate Health - MidwestFollow

Recommended Citation

Nathan A, Patel DA, Nair P, Earing MG, Pophal S, Ganigara M. Virtual reality modeling for multidisciplinary surgical planning for complex single ventricular physiology. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. Published online June 19, 2026. doi:10.1007/s10554-026-03758-x

Abstract

The selection of biventricular repair or Fontan completion for single-ventricle patients remains difficult to determine in borderline patients. We report how the use of a 3-dimensional virtual reality model informed an accurate estimation of a 34-month-old child's ventricular chamber size to confirm Fontan completion. Developed from CT scan imaging, the model simulated a virtual biventricular repair and demonstrated inadequate outflow tracts after patching and baffle rerouting. This case demonstrates the implications of virtual reality for congenital heart disease surgical planning, providing a shared, intuitive platform for multidisciplinary discussion and consensus-building among surgeons, cardiologists, imagers, and anesthesiologists.

Type

Article

PubMed ID

42319702