3D Printed Heart Model Helps Change Prognosis for 5-Year-Old Mia

Five-year-old Mia Gonzalez suffered from a rare heart malformation known as double aortic arch, causing her serious breathing problems. Often misdiagnosed as asthma, this serious condition requires a complex surgical procedure.

Dr. Redmond Burke, Director of Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and his team perfected her surgery before entering the operating room by 3D printing a model of her heart based on her MRI scan.

Watch this emotional video to see how Mia’s family and her surgical team leverage Stratasys 3D printing to give her a new lease on life.