OBJECTIVES:   Medical three-dimensional (3D) printing has significantly grown in importance. Anatomic models have been used to represent patient-specific pathologies in a physical model allowing manipulation and surgical simulation. In congenital heart surgery these anatomic models have been used for surgical planning and simulation. Until now, no health economic evaluations have been made to assess the value of these models. METHODS: A literature review was conducted to identify the relevant benefits of 3D models for surgical planning of congenital heart diseases compared to no use of such models, and costs and incidence of potential complications associated with standard procedures. Expert opinion was used to fill in the gaps where no literature was found. A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted using the public health provider perspective and a 1 year time horizon. The unit cost of the models was estimated to be €1500 RESULTS:   No quantitative evidence of the advantages of 3D models for surgical planning of congenital heart surgery was found. The majority of the suggested advantages referred to a decreased incidence of complications. Based on a relative complication reduction of 3% the net cost of 3D models varied between €1435.77 for Atrial Septum Defect repair and €-1419.69 for Truncus Artheriosus repair. Quality of life implications could not be calculated due to lack of relevant literature. CONCLUSIONS: