Use of a two-handed model to improve comprehension of the ventricular outflow tract anatomy

Abstract

Background Mastering cardiac anatomy is a formidable obstacle in the learning process for cardiac electrophysiology trainees. The complex three-dimensional characteristics and contiguous relationship of the ventricular outflow tract are particularly difficult to visualize with the limited study methods available. The hands can recreate a morphology similar to the ventricular outflow tract; this study explored whether a two-handed model of the heart helps electrophysiology trainees improve their understanding of the ventricular outflow tract anatomy. Methods After an initial assessment, trainees were randomly placed into variable and control groups. Subsequently, all trainees learned the outflow tract anatomy using routine methods, with the variable group additionally receiving instruction using the two-handed model. One day and one week after the course conclusion, knowledge of the ventricular outflow tract anatomy was assessed for the participants of both groups. Results Thirty-eight trainees participated in total (19 in each group). Mean scores obtained for the first, second, and third tests were 37.6 ± 16.1, 78.7 ± 13.0, and 75.9 ± 10.3 points, respectively. In the second test, trainees in the variable group had a mean score 6.8 points higher than those in the control group (p = 0.106); in the last test, the mean score was 9.7 points higher in the variable group than in the control group (p = 0.002). Conclusions It is convenient to use hands to create a model representing the ventricular outflow tract. Trainees taught using this model had a better understanding and retention of the ventricular outflow tract anatomy compared to those of the control group.