A new dynamic 3D virtual methodology for teaching the mechanics of atrial septation as seen in the human heart

Abstract

Learning embryology remains difficult, since it requires understanding of many complex phenomena. The temporal evolution of developmental events has classically been illustrated using cartoons, which create difficulty in linking spatial and temporal aspects, such correlation being the keystone of descriptive embryology. We synthesized the bibliographic data from recent studies of atrial septal development. On the basis of this synthesis, consensus on the stages of atrial septation as seen in the human heart has been reached by a group of experts in cardiac embryology and pediatric cardiology. This has permitted the preparation of three-dimensional (3D) computer graphic objects for the anatomical components involved in the different stages of normal human atrial septation. We have provided a virtual guide to the process of normal atrial septation, the animation providing an appreciation of the temporal and morphologic events necessary to separate the systemic and pulmonary venous returns. We have shown that our animations of normal human atrial septation increase significantly the teaching of the complex developmental processes involved, and provide a new dynamic for the process of learning.

Impact of cardiovascular embryology animations on short-term learning

“…Since traditional embryology texts typically use static, twodimensional (2D) images to illustrate the dynamic three-dimensional (3D) developmental processes, it can be difficult for a student to understand the development that took place, or to understand the changes that occurred between static image A and image B (6,13,35). High-quality embryology animations that effectively illustrate these dynamic changes have been suggested to help aid in the understanding of embryological processes (16,47,64,65,75). Specifically, the animations should reduce the mental leaps students have to make when presented with static textbook images that may skip over complex varying movements, shifting of tissues, or changes in organ structure, shape, and size (6,8,36).…”

Visualizing Vertebrate Embryos with Episcopic 3D Imaging Techniques

“…2. Precise 3D and 3D-based four-dimensional (4D) visualizations of normal embryo development are valuable tools for teaching embryology to students, graduates, and postgraduates [8].…”

The influence of learning style in understanding analogies and 2D animations in embryology course

“…3D digital animations provide several advantages for the learners in enhancing spatial ability, forming a clear representation of the anatomical structures, a better understanding of spatial and topographical relationships between anatomical structures [2728]. But we can't generalize that all animations are better than static 2D images.…”