Development of dynamic heart and coronary artery models to train anastomoses for cardiac surgery

Abstract

This work aims to develop a training model for cardiac anastomoses using silicone-based synthetic coronary arteries and a heart model. The vessels are fabricated via a two-piece clear resin mold, enabling silicone casts with wall thicknesses of 0.2–0.5 mm and inner diameters of 1.5–2 mm; elastic properties are achieved with Dragon Skin® silicone. The synthetic coronary arteries can be placed on the heart model which is cast in a two-piece mold. A heartbeat-simulating pump can be integrated in a cavity which is fabricated by inserting a dissolvable-core into the mold. The initial feasibility feedback from four senior and three assistant physicians of Cardiac Surgery indicates suitability for learning and improving cardiac anastomosis skills.