Validation of a dynamic 3D heart model for integrating clinical and instrumental data of patients with ischemic heart disease

The authors' aim was to validate a graphic model conceived for integrating and transferring information on cardiac abnormalities of patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). Information derived from anamnesis, ECG and invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques were synthesized in a simple, self-explanatory, color-coded, dynamic, 3D heart. Data from 116 consecutive patients were analyzed. The following features were considered: 1. Expressiveness of the model 2. Incompleteness, conflict and redundancy of data 3. Questionable medical decisions. Immediateness of representation was reached even in very complex cases. Though frequent missing information was critical for the patient management in few cases only. Conflicts on regional motility were frequent but clinically marginal. In 5% conflicts on the diagnosis of ischemia or necrosis and were potentially relevant. Finally, 12% of revascularizations were performed in absence of stenosis-related ischemia or hibernation.