A novel low cost high fidelity heart transplant simulator

10116 

Abstract Submission 

David Varghese (1), Myat Soe Thet (2), J.Florian Körwer (3), Prashant Mohite (1), ayush balaji (4), Yasser Hegazy (1), Karim Morcos (1), Sylvia Yew (5), Hari Doshi (1), Philip Curry (1)

(1) Golden Jubilee National Hospital, Glasgow, United Kingdom, (2) St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, London, (3) Hochschule Niederrhein, Krefeld, Germany, (4) Hull York Medical School, United Kingdom, (5) University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom

David Varghese    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Myat Soe Thet    -  Contact Me
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital

J.Florian Körwer    -  Contact Me
Hochschule Niederrhein

Prashant Mohite    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

ayush balaji    -  Contact Me
Hull York Medical School

Yasser Hegazy    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Karim Morcos    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Sylvia Yew    -  Contact Me
University of Glasgow

Hari Doshi    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

Philip Curry    -  Contact Me
Golden Jubilee National Hospital

David Varghese    -  Contact Me
The Golden Jubilee national Hospital

Objective:
Our project's primary goal was to develop an affordable yet highly realistic simulator for heart transplantation training. By offering a hands-on experience closely resembling the surgical procedure, we aimed to enhance surgical skills, improve patient outcomes, and reduce the learning curve associated with this complex operation.

Methods:
We initiated the project by acquiring high-resolution CT scan data of the presenting author's heart and posterior chest. Using specialized software, we meticulously converted this data into a file format suitable for 3D printing. The resulting digital models featured the heart's valves and chambers and were printed separately.

Results:
Through various material iterations, we identified a resin with the necessary elastic modulus and tensile strength to create a low-cost, high-fidelity, focused simulator. Our initial simulator weighed 150 grams and combined mitral, aortic, and vascular components. Encouraged by our success, we swiftly progressed to the heart transplant simulator system. The detailed 300-gram model provides a realistic tactile experience for suturing and other critical steps in heart transplantation.

Conclusions:
The concept of the **learning curve** is well-established in surgical practice. Surgeons often encounter challenges when adopting new techniques or procedures. Our simulator aims to flatten this learning curve by allowing surgeons, particularly those in training, to gain hands-on experience before operating on actual patients. Regular practice with the simulator can enhance surgical skills, boost confidence, and reduce the time required to achieve operative proficiency. In summary, our heart transplantation simulator project bridges theory and practice, empowering surgeons to navigate the complexities of heart transplantation with greater confidence and competence.

Heart Transplant