Normally when you think of 3D, some weird glasses, a movie and some popcorn are involved. For an 11-year-old from Greenville, Michigan, 3D meant saving his life.

According to WOOD, reality for Trent Ahlefeld was that he was born with a damaged heart. From only having two chambers instead of four, to it being on the wrong side of his chest, to a hole going straight threw his heart.

After many surgeries, Trent's parents speaking with experts all over the country, and then finally the young man was given only a year to live...technology came into play in Grand Rapids and now everything has changed for the young man.

The Congenital Heart Center at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital used technology for ground breaking surgery that repaired Trent's heart that first started by using sonography and a 3D printer.

The equipment created an actual 3D model of Trent's heart for surgeon Marcus Haw to study. Dr.Haw said, "I don't think I would have had the courage to do this surgery unless I had this type of imagery."

Speaking of courage, know this was a first time for this type of technique to prepare for surgery, young Trent showed the most courage of all. When Trent was asked if he wanted to risk this first time surgery he said, "Yeah, I want to do it."

Trent had the surgery in November and now doctors are saying his future looks bright.

It's exciting news to know this kind of technology happened right here in Grand Rapids and it saved a young boy from Greenville. What's more exciting, is knowing that young boy is home with his brothers and dogs planning what sports he will play this summer.

 

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