Abstract / Description of output
Background Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical prerequisite for left-sided
cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial
appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding
and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific,
anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with
X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.
Methods The TSP phantom was developed using additive manufacturing techniques and features a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component to allow for
multiple punctures without replacing the entire model. Four cardiologists and
one cardiology trainee performed TSP on the simulator, and their performance
was assessed using four metrics: global isotropy index, distance from the centroid, time taken to perform TSP, and a set of 5-point Likert scale questions to
evaluate the clinicians’ perception of the phantom’s realism and utility.
Results The results demonstrate the simulator’s potential as a training tool for
interventional cardiology, providing a realistic and controllable environment for
clinicians to refine their TSP skills. Experienced cardiologists tended to cluster
their puncture points closer to regions of the fossa ovalis associated with higher
global isotropy index scores, indicating a relationship between experience and
optimal puncture localization. The questionnaire analysis revealed that participants generally agreed on the phantom’s realistic anatomical representation and
ability to accurately visualize the TSP site under fluoroscopic guidance.
Conclusions The TSP simulator can be incorporated into training programs,
offering trainees the opportunity to improve tool handling, spatial coordination,
and manual dexterity prior to performing the procedure on patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments are needed to establish
the simulator’s impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.
cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial
appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding
and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific,
anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with
X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.
Methods The TSP phantom was developed using additive manufacturing techniques and features a replaceable fossa ovalis (FO) component to allow for
multiple punctures without replacing the entire model. Four cardiologists and
one cardiology trainee performed TSP on the simulator, and their performance
was assessed using four metrics: global isotropy index, distance from the centroid, time taken to perform TSP, and a set of 5-point Likert scale questions to
evaluate the clinicians’ perception of the phantom’s realism and utility.
Results The results demonstrate the simulator’s potential as a training tool for
interventional cardiology, providing a realistic and controllable environment for
clinicians to refine their TSP skills. Experienced cardiologists tended to cluster
their puncture points closer to regions of the fossa ovalis associated with higher
global isotropy index scores, indicating a relationship between experience and
optimal puncture localization. The questionnaire analysis revealed that participants generally agreed on the phantom’s realistic anatomical representation and
ability to accurately visualize the TSP site under fluoroscopic guidance.
Conclusions The TSP simulator can be incorporated into training programs,
offering trainees the opportunity to improve tool handling, spatial coordination,
and manual dexterity prior to performing the procedure on patients. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal assessments are needed to establish
the simulator’s impact on TSP performance and patient outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 34 |
| Journal | 3D Printing in Medicine |
| Volume | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 30 Oct 2024 |