3-Dimensional Cardiovascular Anatomy System (3D-CAS)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a 3D cardiovascular anatomy system (3DCAS), for the purpose of tactile training of diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures
IRAS ID
163796
Contact name
Justin Magee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Research Question: Can a physical model of the human cardiovascular system be simulated using 3D imaging, digital modelling and rapid prototype printing methods, to accurately represent the tactile responses of coronary intervention?
This is a pilot/feasibility study. This model contains artificial anatomy representing the characteristics of the live subject, in form, viscosity, instability and flexibility.
In interventional cardiology there are limited opportunities, or indeed evidence based methods by which one can train to proficiency prior to performing all or parts of an operation on a patient. There is currently a drive from within the NHS/HPSS, as well as an expectation from the public that quality of care improves following high profile deficiencies of care in for example Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust. Discovering ways, in which trainee doctors can acquire proficiency in operative skills without contact with patients early in their learning curve, is likely improve quality of care. While there are virtual reality (VR) simulators of hearts and arteries from both synthetic and animal models these do not represent the uniqueness and complexity of the human coronary system. Furthermore VR does not capture the tactile responses experienced by the physcian/surgeon, inherent to human tissue, disease, degeneration and lifestyle influences of each individual (e.g. calcification). Optical coherence tomographic (OCT), Echocardiograms (echo), total body CT and in selected cases CT Coronary angiography (CTA) data from existing adult patients who are undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) will be acquired, following IRAS approval. This data will be reconstructed using 3D computer modelling. Models will be manufactured using rapid prototyping and secondary production methods and materials with similar properties to human anatomy to develop a prototype training system for user testing by experienced Consultant Interventional Cardiologists.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/LO/2168
Date of REC Opinion
22 Dec 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion