Development and preliminary evaluation of a camera-assisted endovascular simulator using a three-dimensional printing

PURPOSE: This study described the development and preliminary evaluation of a simulator that combines a three-dimensional-printed vascular model with a camera-assisted system for training basic endovascular skills. METHODS: A hollow mannequin torso housed a transparent, three-dimensional-printed aorta. Guidewire and catheter manipulation were visualized in real time using a manually controlled camera. Fifteen medical students (novices) and five vascular surgeons (experts) performed simulated tasks in two sessions. Experts also assessed realism and educational value. RESULTS: Novices demonstrated shorter completion times across all exercises in session 2, particularly in exercise 4, with mean time decreasing from 229.3 ± 134.8 to 83.5 ± 31.1 seconds, a mean difference of 145.8 seconds (p = 0.001). Experts showed no significant improvement in most tasks, although exercise 3 improved from 115.4 ± 29.7 to 91.6 ± 21.5 seconds, a mean difference of 23.8 seconds (p = 0.012). Performance differed between groups (construct validity). Surgeons provided favorable ratings for the realism and usefulness (face and content validity). CONCLUSION: This preliminary device appears feasible and may facilitate early skill acquisition in low-resource educational settings without radiation exposure.