The Role of Low-Cost 3D Printing for Education in Congenital Heart Diseases

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a transformative technology in the management of congenital heart disease (CHD), offering new possibilities for anatomical visualization, procedural planning, and education.^– By converting standard imaging datasets into tangible physical models, clinicians and trainees gain intuitive spatial insight into complex cardiac malformations that are often difficult to interpret using two-dimensional images alone.^,

However, sustaining a 3D printing program requires careful financial planning. Costs related to infrastructure, equipment, materials, and dedicated personnel can limit long-term feasibility.^, Encouragingly, the increasing availability of free software and low-cost materials has significantly reduced financial barriers, making these workflows more accessible to institutions with limited resources.

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