Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026
Creation of Patient-Specific Silicone Cardiac Models with Applications in Pre-surgical Plans and Hands-on Training
Published on: February 10, 2022
Hands-on surgical training of congenital heart surgery using 3-dimensional print models
Shi-Joon Yoo1, Thomas Spray2, Erle H Austin3
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objective:
Patient-based congenital heart surgery (CHS) training is opportunity-based and difficult. Three-dimensional (3D) print models of the heart were used for hands-on surgical training (HOST) at the 2015 AATS and subsequently in 2 local institutions. We aim to introduce the process of 3D printing for surgical simulation and to present the attendee's responses.
Methods:
Using CT or MR angiograms, the models of congenital heart disease were created and printed with flexible rubberlike material. Altogether, 81 established surgeons or trainees performed simulated surgical procedures with the expert surgeons' guidance and supervision. At the completion of the session, 50 of 81 attendees participated in the questionnaire assessment of the program.
Results:
All responders found the course helpful in improving their surgical skills. All would consider including HOST sessions in the training programs. All found that the models showed the necessary pathologic findings. Most found that the consistency and elasticity of the model material were different from those of the human myocardium. However, the responders thought that the quality of the models was acceptable (88%) or manageable (12%) for surgical practice. The major weaknesses listed were related to the print material and poor representation of the cardiac valves.
Conclusions:
HOST using 3D print heart models is achievable and allows surgical practice on pathological hearts without patients' risk. HOST is a highly applicable surgical simulation format for CHS. Incorporation of HOST in training programs could change the traditional opportunity-based education to the requirement-based standardized education.
