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. 2024 Feb 1;25(2):165-172.
doi: 10.2459/JCM.0000000000001577. Epub 2023 Dec 22.

The introduction of surgical simulation on three-dimensional-printed models in the cardiac surgery curriculum: an experimental project

Claudia Cattapan  1 , Alvise Guariento  1 , Francesco Bertelli  1 , Francesco Galliotto  1 , Carlotta Vazzoler  1 , Paolo Magagna  2 , Gino Gerosa  3 , Vladimiro Vida  1
Affiliations

The introduction of surgical simulation on three-dimensional-printed models in the cardiac surgery curriculum: an experimental project

Claudia Cattapan et al. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). .

Abstract

Aims: Training in congenital cardiac surgery has become more and more difficult because of the reduced opportunities for trainees in the operating room and the high patient anatomical variability. The aim of this study was to perform a pilot evaluation of surgical simulation on a simple 3D-printed heart model in training of young surgeons and its potential inclusion in the curriculum of residency programs.

Methods: A group of 11 residents performed a surgical correction of aortic coarctation using a 3D-printed surgical model. After teaching the surgical procedure, a simulation was performed twice, at different times, and was evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by a senior surgeon. A 3D model-based training program was then developed and incorporated into our cardiac surgery training program.

Results: A significant improvement in surgical technique was observed between the first and second surgical simulations: median of 65% [interquartile range (IQR) = 61-70%] vs. 83% (IQR = 82-91%, P < 0.001). The median time required to run the simulation was significantly shorter during the second simulation: 39 min (IQR = 33-40) vs. 45 min (IQR = 37-48; P = 0.02). Regarding the simulation program, a basic and an advanced program were developed, including a total of 40 different simulated procedures divided into 12 sessions.

Conclusion: Surgical simulation using 3D-printing technology can be an extremely valuable tool to improve surgical training in congenital heart disease. Our pilot study can represent the first step towards the creation of an integrated training system on 3D-printed models of congenital and acquired heart diseases in other Italian residency programs.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
3D-printed surgical simulator (TrainHeart): development of the 3D project (top); final product with integrated LED lights inside (bottom).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Simulation of surgical correction of an aortic coarctation (coarctectomy) with end-to-end anastomosis on a 3D-printed model. (a) Patent ductus arteriosus ligation; (b) resection of the coarctation; (c) incision of the aortic arch; (d) incision of the descending aorta; (e) suture of the posterior wall; (f) completion of the anastomosis on the anterior wall.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Flowchart of the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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