A Novel 3D-Printed Pediatric Cardiac Model for Teaching Catheterization Anatomy and Access Pathways

Pediatric cardiac catheterization is an essential procedure with limited early trainee exposure and risks of real-time procedural instruction even for late trainees. Traditional teaching tools, such as lectures and diagrams, offer minimal spatial orientation, while commercial simulators are often too costly for widespread use. To address this gap, we developed an anatomically accurate 3D-printed heart model using consumer-grade tools and materials. Anatomically, the model contains hollow lumens running from the femoral arteries through each cardiac chamber and a ventricular septal defect, with a removable front wall for internal viewing. During a structured teaching session, 14 pediatric residents used the model to simulate catheter navigation and identify anatomic landmarks under direct visualization. Post-session feedback (n = 11) showed a mean confidence score increase from 3.45 to 4.27 on a five-point Likert scale. Qualitatively, learners cited improved spatial understanding and procedural clarity. This open-source model provides a cost-effective, reproducible alternative to commercial simulators and may help bridge critical gaps in conceptual training for pediatric cardiac catheterization in resource-limited or early educational settings.