Abstract

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 FO 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.

Details

Title
An anthropomorphic phantom for atrial transseptal puncture simulation training
Author
Zeidan, Aya Mutaz 1 ; Xu, Zhouyang 1 ; Leung, Lisa 2 ; Byrne, Calum 3 ; Sabu, Sachin 3 ; Zhou, Yijia 1 ; Rinaldi, Christopher Aldo 4 ; Whitaker, John 4 ; Williams, Steven E. 5 ; Behar, Jonathan 4 ; Arujuna, Aruna 1 ; Housden, R. James 1 ; Rhode, Kawal 1 

 King’s College London, Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, London, UK (GRID:grid.13097.3c) (ISNI:0000 0001 2322 6764) 
 Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Cardiology Department, London, UK (GRID:grid.420545.2); NHS Foundation Trust, St. George’s Hospital, London, UK (GRID:grid.451052.7) (ISNI:0000 0004 0581 2008) 
 Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Cardiology Department, London, UK (GRID:grid.420545.2) 
 King’s College London, Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, London, UK (GRID:grid.13097.3c) (ISNI:0000 0001 2322 6764); Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Cardiology Department, London, UK (GRID:grid.420545.2) 
 King’s College London, Department of Surgical & Interventional Engineering, London, UK (GRID:grid.13097.3c) (ISNI:0000 0001 2322 6764); University of Edinburgh, Center for Cardiovascular Science, Edinburgh, UK (GRID:grid.4305.2) (ISNI:0000 0004 1936 7988) 
Pages
34
Publication year
2024
Publication date
Dec 2024
Publisher
Springer Nature B.V.
e-ISSN
23656271
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3121799581
Copyright
© The Author(s) 2024. This work is published under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (the “License”). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.