Objective To explore the application effect of 3D printed heart models in the training of young cardiac surgeons, and evaluate their application value in surgical simulation and skill improvement. MethodsEight young cardiac surgeons were selected form West China Hospital as the trainees. Before training, the Hands-On Surgical Training-Congenital Heart Surgery (HOST-CHS) operation scores of the 8 cardiac surgeons were obtained after operating on 2 pig heart models of ventricular septal defect (VSD). Subsequently, simulation training was conducted on a 3D printed peri-membrane VSD heart model for 6 weeks, once a week. After the training, all trainees completed 2 pig heart VSD repair surgeries. The improvement of doctors’ skills was evaluated through survey questionnaires, HOST-CHS scores, and operation time after training. ResultsBefore the training, the average HOST-CHS score of the 8 trainees was 52.2±6.3 points, and the average time for VSD repair was 54.7±7.1 min. During the 6-week simulation training using 3D printed models, the total score of HOST-CHS for the 8 trainees gradually increased (P<0.001), and the time required to complete VSD repair was shortened (P<0.001). The trainees had the most significant improvement in scores of surgical cognition and protective awareness. The survey results showed that trainees were generally very satisfied with the effectiveness of 3D model simulation training. Conclusion The 3D printed VSD model demonstrates significant application advantages in the training of young cardiac surgeons. By providing highly realistic anatomical structures, 3D models can effectively enhance surgeons’ surgical skills. It is suggested to further promote the application of 3D printing technology in medical education, providing strong support for cultivating high-quality cardiac surgeons.
Objective To address the "three-low predicament" in China’s valvular heart disease (VHD) diagnosis and treatment system (low detection rate, low intervention rate, and low follow-up rate), and to propose and implement a whole life cycle management model for VHD considering the increasing burden of degenerative valvular disease in the context of an aging population. Methods Since 2020, West China Hospital of Sichuan University has established a management system encompassing "assessment-decision-intervention-follow-up", including: (1) a risk-stratified, tiered management pathway; (2) six core functions ("promotion, screening, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation") coordinated by disease-specific managers; (3) an intelligent decision support information platform; and (4) a collaborative network of multidisciplinary teams and regional academic alliances. Results Between 2020 and 2024, a total of 583 874 echocardiographic screenings were completed, identifying 3 401 (7.1%) high-risk patients with aortic valve disease, 18 657 (38.8%) medium-risk patients, and 26 031 (54.1%) low-risk patients. A total of 2 417 patients were enrolled in whole life cycle management. Patient satisfaction scores increased year by year, from 73.89 before 2020 to 93.74 in 2024. The 1-year mortality rate in the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) cohort decreased from 8.2% to 5.3% (P<0.01). Conclusion The VHD whole life cycle management model, through optimized processes and integrated resources, has achieved significant results in standardizing diagnosis and follow-up procedures, improving patient satisfaction and quality of life, and reducing mortality. It provides a scalable practical model for VHD management in China.