Three-dimensional-printed heart models as medical educational tools in cardiac catheterisation: randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based tools are increasingly used to improve procedural training in medical education. However, access to affordable and anatomically accurate models for teaching cardiac catheterisation remains limited. This study aimed to enhance medical education by developing a cost-effective three-dimensional-printed heart model for teaching basic cardiac catheterisation to medical students. METHODS: This open-label, single-site randomised controlled trial was conducted at Fu Jen Catholic University. Undergraduate and postgraduate medical students were recruited and randomly assigned to either a three-dimensional model group with hands-on practice or a control group receiving slide-based instruction. The effectiveness of a custom-made three-dimensional-printed heart model in teaching cardiac catheterisation was evaluated. A total of 35 participants were enrolled, including 18 in the three-dimensional model group and 17 in the control group. The production cost of each three-dimensional-printed heart model was capped at US＄200, indicating that the model is a cost-effective educational tool. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional-printed heart models provide a feasible and cost-effective approach for teaching cardiac catheterisation in medical education. Their educational benefits appeared more evident among undergraduate medical students. Integrating such models according to learners' training stages and procedural complexity may further enhance training effectiveness.