Protecting life

In this picture a photograph of a 3D-printed heart is superimposed on a painting (oil on frame), representing the emerging role of 3D printing in cardiovascular medicine.

Specifically, a female physician is holding the tridimensional heart, which shows an apical chronic infarct. The hands hold and support the heart in a very delicate way, demonstrating the weakness of the heart and the need for both skillful and maternal care.

The picture emphasizes the important role of women in current medical practice and symbolizes how physicians explain delicate conditions to their patients (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Protecting life.

Painting and Imaging have things in common as both create art. When an artist paints tries to connect with people by transmitting feelings, sensations. Similarly, an imaging physician through the post-processing techniques of high resolution studies such as computed tomography allows him or her fly to a real but virtual world creating different colors of the 3D human anatomy resembling artworks.

Sensations of free expression can be felt in both scenarios, painting or post-processing a 3D study. Manifestation of art can be done in both styles.

Acknowledgements

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.