The TRAIN HEART project aims to make cardiovascular surgical training more accessible and flexible, offering a comprehensive educational experience that integrates practical simulations with theoretical knowledge.
The project, a result of collaboration between the UniSMART Foundation, the University of Padua, and the University Hospital of Padua, stands out for its use of an innovative patented surgical simulator and 3D-printed heart models based on a proprietary library of real cases.
In medical education, it is essential to provide healthcare professionals with opportunities to develop crucial practical skills before facing complex surgical procedures. Cardiac surgeons, newly qualified cardiac surgeons, and residents will receive comprehensive training to handle cases with specific or rare anomalies, simulating the real-life challenges they may encounter in their future practice.
- the course offers a safe educational environment that enables practical and accessible training, supported by the expertise of the University of Padua.
- the simulator features a modular design, reduced weight, and compact dimensions, ensuring learning flexibility and realistic simulation of surgical corrections.
- the 3D-printed heart models provide a realistic reproduction of human cardiac complexity, simulating cases with specific or rare anomalies.
The combination of innovative technologies and academic expertise makes TRAIN HEART an ambitious and unique project with the potential to significantly impact cardiovascular surgical training.
Train Heart courses
The TRAIN HEART courses are designed to meet the needs of a wide range of participants in the field of cardiac surgery, whether they are practicing cardiac surgeons, newly qualified specialists, or residents training in cardiac surgery.
The training experience is structured to maximize practical learning and interaction between students and instructors. A typical training module lasts approximately 4 hours and can be delivered either synchronously online or in person.
During the course, participants are provided with a solid understanding of the surgical background related to congenital and acquired heart diseases, followed by a demonstration of surgical procedures by the instructors using the simulator.
Participants then have the opportunity to apply what they have learned by performing surgical procedures on a set of 3D heart models under the supervision of the instructors.
Would you like to learn more about the course program? Are you representing an organization or company interested in purchasing a customized edition of the course?
Train Heart surgical simulator
The TRAIN HEART simulation environment includes the patented simulator and a set of heart models printed based on a library of real cases of congenital heart diseases.
The simulator provides a practical and realistic learning experience, allowing healthcare professionals to practice as if they were in the operating room. Since each surgical procedure can present unique challenges, the simulator includes interchangeable covers to replicate the different access points that various cardiac surgery procedures may require. The simplicity, portability, and practicality of the simulator make it suitable for use in any environment, whether it be a clinic, a hospital, or a dedicated training center, ensuring great flexibility in its application. Furthermore, being produced through 3D printing techniques, it is offered at a lower cost compared to other simulators available on the market.
The heart models are 3D printed with synthetic elastic and silicone resins that realistically simulate the consistency of human tissues. The models offer extraordinary accuracy in replicating the complexity of the human heart, allowing students to experience hands-on learning. Additionally, the customization of the 3D heart models is based on the specific requirements of the procedure to be performed or simulated, recognizing that each surgical procedure may present unique challenges.
The list of acquired congenital heart diseases within the anatomical model library includes:
Printed and validated anatomical models
- Normal heart: atria and great vessels for cannulation simulation
- Supravalvular aortic stenosis
- Isolated aortic coarctation + PDA
- Aortic arch hypoplasia + PDA
- Hypoplastic left heart syndrome
- Mitral valve (normal)
- Mitral valve (stenotic)
- Mitral valve (posterior leaflet hypoplasia)
- Aortic root (normal)
Printed anatomical models, but not yet validated
- Taussig-bing anomaly
- DORV-TOF
- DORV-TGA
- Intracardiac TAPVR in heterotaxy
- TOF
- Aortic arch interruption
- DIA II
- Perimembranous VSD
- Muscular VSD
- Apical muscular VSD
The catalog of anatomical hearts is constantly expanding. An updated list or a preview of upcoming models is available upon request.