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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Intracardiac Echocardiography for Atrial Anatomy Assessment
Published on: June 30, 2023
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An anthropomorphic phantom for atrial transseptal puncture simulation training
Aya Mutaz Zeidan1, Zhouyang Xu2, Lisa Leung3,4
1Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK. aya.zeidan@kcl.ac.uk.
3D Printing in Medicine
|October 30, 2024
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D-printed phantom for transseptal puncture (TSP) training, enhancing skills for cardiac interventions like atrial fibrillation ablation. The simulator offers a realistic practice environment, improving trainee dexterity and patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Interventions
- Medical Simulation
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Transseptal puncture (TSP) is essential for left-sided cardiac procedures but technically challenging.
- Existing training methods for TSP have limitations.
- A novel patient-specific anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation using X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound was developed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, patient-specific, anthropomorphic phantom for transseptal puncture (TSP) simulation training.
- To evaluate the phantom's realism, utility, and impact on skill acquisition for interventional cardiology trainees.
- To assess the potential of the simulator as a tool for refining TSP techniques.
Main Methods:
- The TSP phantom was created using additive manufacturing with a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component.
- Four cardiologists and one trainee performed TSP on the simulator.
- Performance was evaluated using global isotropy index, puncture distance, time, and Likert scale questionnaires on realism and utility.
Main Results:
- The simulator demonstrated potential as a realistic and controllable training tool for interventional cardiology.
- Experienced cardiologists showed a tendency to select puncture sites associated with higher global isotropy index scores.
- Participants found the phantom to be anatomically realistic and effective for visualizing the TSP site under fluoroscopy.
Conclusions:
- The TSP simulator can be integrated into training programs to enhance tool handling, spatial coordination, and manual dexterity.
- The phantom provides a valuable platform for trainees to practice TSP before patient procedures.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longitudinal studies is recommended to confirm the impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.
