Pulsatile Heart Models for Training in Pediatric Cardiology

Objectives: The handling of a catheter and the related instruments is very difficult to learn. Moreover, in today’s medical curricula theoretical courses are directly followed by working on patients that puts enormous pressure on trainee doctors. Therefore, we want to setup a simulation training using a 3D printed anatomical model with pulsatile flow to realize a stress-free learning environment in the catheter laboratory.

Methods: For this study, a virtual 3D model of the heart was created from 2D medical images using medical image processing software. The cardiac training model was then connected to a pumping system generating pulsatile flow. Catheter manipulation, balloon dilatation, and device implantation was performed on the simulation model. We assessed the dry model, the model floated with water but static and with pulsatile flow.

Result: We managed to create a flexible 3D printed model with pulsatile flow for hands-on training in pediatric interventional cardiology. We succeeded in performing catheter manipulation, balloon dilatation, and device implantation on the dry, static floated, and pulsatile models. The implementation of pulsatile flow to the training setup improved the haptic impression and enhanced the feeling of operating on a real patient. Although the physiological measurements taken in the pulsatile model did not correspond to the expected values in a living patient, it was possible to follow the methodological approach.

Conclusion: This study proved the possibility of simulating the conditions of catheterization on real patients by using a pulsatile 3D printed heart model. The setup was assessed as potentially very helpful to train cardiologic skills and is therefore promoted to be used for hands-on workshops. In the future, we plan to expand the training setup by using different cases of congenital heart disease (CHD) and applying the corresponding diagnostic and interventional techniques.