An infant phantom for pediatric pericardial access and electrophysiology training

Authors

Paige N. Mass, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Jacqueline M. Contento, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Justin D. Opfermann, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Kohei Sumihara, Division of Cardiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
Rohan N. Kumthekar, Division of Cardiology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
Charles I. Berul, Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

6-1-2022

Journal

Heart rhythm O2

Volume

3

Issue

3

DOI

10.1016/j.hroo.2022.02.010

Keywords

Cardiac; Electrophysiology; Pediatric; Pericardiocentesis; Simulation; Training

Abstract

Background: Cardiac procedures in infants and children require a high level of skill and dexterity owing to small stature and anatomy. Lower incidence of procedure volume in this population results in fewer clinical opportunities for learning. Simulators have grown in popularity for education and training, though most existing simulators are often cost-prohibitive or model adult anatomy. Objective: Develop a low-cost simulator for practicing the skills to perform percutaneous pericardial access and cardiac ablation procedures in pediatric patients. Methods: We describe 2 simulators for practicing cardiac procedures in pediatric patients, with a total cost of less than $500. Both simulators are housed within an infant-size doll. The first simulator is composed of an infant-size heart and a skin-like covering to practice percutaneous pericardial access to the heart. Participants obtained sheath access to the heart under direct visualization. The second simulator houses a child-size heart with 7 touch-activated targets to practice manipulating a catheter through a small heart. This can be performed under direct visualization and with 3-dimensional mapping via CARTO. Participants manipulated a catheter to map the heart by touching the 6 positive targets, avoiding the negative target. Results: Physicians-in-training improved their time to complete the task between the first and second attempts. Physicians experienced with the tools took less time to complete the task than physicians-in-training. Conclusion: This inexpensive simulator is anatomically realistic and can be used to practice manipulating procedure tools and develop competency for pediatric cardiac procedures.

APA Citation

Mass, Paige N.; Contento, Jacqueline M.; Opfermann, Justin D.; Sumihara, Kohei; Kumthekar, Rohan N.; and Berul, Charles I., "An infant phantom for pediatric pericardial access and electrophysiology training" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 1243.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/1243

Department

Pediatrics