Research on virtual training simulation for intra-cardiac intervention

Obtaining the expertise to perform minimally invasive cardiac interventions requires thorough training. We developed a real-time system for training in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation, which can simulate the sheath/catheter movement and deformation in the left atrium. The behavior of the sheath/catheter is simulated using a hybrid bilayer deformation model based on geometric deformation technology and a mass-spring model. The geometric deformation technology reproduces the bending of the catheter more accurately, while the mass-spring model makes the deformation caused by collision with the heart more realistic. Our results show that the behavior of the catheter matches the practical situation to a degree that can satisfy medical training requirements.