OR24. Creation and validation of 3D-printing based fluoroscopic coronary angiography simulator’s prototype as a learning media

Obtaining a good projections of coronary angiogram (CA) and interpreting them is a complex ability for cardiology residents to learn. We aimed to create and validate a simple learning media protoype which can simulate fluoroscopic coronary angiography (FCA) phenomenon in a concrete way as well as being realistic, radiation-free, portable, and cost-effective.

We used “Research & Development” steps. FCA simulator consisted of CT-scan derived transparent heart and opaque coronary mannequin, visible light and white screen in a minimized “C-arm” system, and video circuits. After interviewing anatomist (n = 1) and instrumentational engineer (n = 1), we obtained validation from FCA practitioners: cardiology interventionists (n = 3), cardiology interventional fellows (n = 2), and interventional radiographers (n = 3) by using a rating scale questionaire. Prototype was rated as very eligible (90%). Each aspect: relevance to curriculum (94%); educational value (92%); efficiency (88%); accuracy (90%); aesthetic (80%); durability (83%); safety (95%); portability (91%); cost (97%) were also rated as very eligible. Simulated images of right coronary artery were rated as very similar by all FCA practitioners, while left coronary artery’s (LCA) were rated as quite to very similar.

We successfully created a prototype of 3D-printing based FCA simulator. The simulator was able to demonstrate a concrete and visible phenomenon of CA, as well as radiation-free, portable, and cost-effective. The simulated images were realistic, however, improvement was needed for LCA. The protoype is very eligible for diagnostic CA learning media and ready to be field tested.