Abstract
Based on transverse(TRN) and LV long axis(LAX) MR images of two cadaver hearts, three-dimensional (3-D) computer models of the connecting interface between remaining heart and total artificial heart, i.e., mitral and tricuspid valvular annuli(MVA and TVA), ascending aorta (Ao) and pulmonary artery (PA), were reconstructed to compare the shape and the size of MVA and those of TVA, the distance between the center of MVA and TVA (DG), the angle between the plane of MVA and that of TVA (RT), and the angles of Ao and PA, respectively, to the plane of MVA (RA, RP), with those obtained in cast silicone models. It was found that based on LAX rather than TRN MR image, MVA and TVA might be more precisely reconstructed. The data obtained in 3-D images of MVA, TVA, An and PA based on silicone models of 32 hearts were as follows: DG(cm): 4.17±0.43, RT(degrees): 22.1±11.3, RA(degrees): 54.9±15.3, Rp(degrees): 30.8±17.1
