Initial Experience with a Novel Pericardiocentesis Training Simulator Incorporating a Three-dimensional Printed Cardiac Model

Pericardial effusion is a rare but serious complication in cardiac electrophysiology procedures. To avoid progression to acute tamponade and reduce the risk of adverse patient outcomes, emergent pericardiocentesis is often necessary. The conduct of more pericardiocentesis training may further mitigate this risk. However, teaching and practice opportunities are rare, creating the need for pericardiocentesis simulators. While various pericardiocentesis simulators exist, their applications have been limited; further, commercial simulators are anatomically realistic but can be expensive. As such, cheaper homemade simulators have been developed, yet these may lack the cardiac anatomical features for a high-fidelity simulation or may be overly complex to assemble. The purpose of this study is to report initial findings from a pericardiocentesis simulator that incorporates a three-dimensional (3D) cardiac model that is economical, simple to assemble, and anatomically accurate. A 3D-printed cardiac model was printed from a computed tomography file. The model was fitted with a latex balloon-in-a-balloon pericardium filled with colored saline and placed in an ultrasound-compatible gelatin mold to create a pericardiocentesis simulator. The simulator was then tested with experienced and novice trainees at an academic hospital. A total of 10 participants (four interventional cardiology faculty members and six cardiology fellows) performed simulated pericardiocentesis using the simulator and completed a questionnaire to evaluate the model’s features and usefulness. The overall feedback regarding this novel simulation approach was positive and the model exhibited important anatomical features to accurately simulate ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis. All participants were able to successfully insert the needle into the pericardial space and all but one successfully placed the pericardial drain. Survey results indicated that the model was largely perceived as useful for training. This work suggests incorporating a 3D-printed cardiac model into a gelatin mold results in a simple and inexpensive yet high-fidelity pericardiocentesis simulation experience. This novel approach may be useful for teaching pericardiocentesis in an academic hospital.