3D-Printing-Based Fluoroscopic Coronary Angiography Simulator Improves Learning Capability Among Cardiology Trainees

AIM: One of the essential competencies of cardiology trainees is the ability to perform coronary angiography with good projection. PURPOSE: This study is a research and development study aimed at testing the effectiveness of 3D-printing-based fluoroscopic coronary angiography simulator as a learning medium for diagnostic coronary angiogram. METHODS: Thirty-four cardiology trainees randomly were divided into two groups. Both groups took a pretest before the intervention. The first group (group A) studied using conventional learning media and underwent the first post-test. Afterward, they switched to a 3D-printing-based fluoroscopic coronary angiography simulator and underwent a second post-test. The second group (group B) studied using a 3D-printing-based fluoroscopic coronary angiography simulator, underwent the first post-test, switched to the conventional learning media, and underwent a second post-test. RESULTS: The delta between the post-test I and the pretest of group B was 8.53, higher than the delta between the post-test I and the pretest of group A (5.21) with a significant difference (p = 0.003). In group A, the delta between post-test II and pretest was 9.65, higher than the delta between post-test I and pretest (5.21) with a significant difference (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 3D-printing-based fluoroscopic coronary angiography simulator is effective as a learning medium for coronary angiogram diagnostics.