title: Anthropomorphic simulator for minimally invasive epicardial access procedures.
abstract: We have developed a prototype, in vitro anthropomorphic model for simulating pressure-guided, subxiphoid access procedures done to enable minimally invasive epicardial cardiac procedures including treatments for ventricular tachycardia. Life-size replicas of the heart and lungs were modelled using anatomically accurate surrogates. The dynamic pressure-frequency profiles of simulated pericardial fluid surrounding the water-pumped replica heart were measured and validated against previously acquired human intrapericardial pressure observations (Pearson's r = 0.88, p < 0.001). In replicating access procedures for approaching and entering the pericardial space, the system produced physiologically appropriate pressure measurements at each intermediate point along the needle's insertion pathway. Details of construction and performance are presented and discussed.
authors.affiliation: University of Virginia, Department of Biomedical Engineering, PO Box 800759, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
authors.forename: H V
authors.initials: HV
authors.lastname: Gyurjyan
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tucker-Schwartz
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Gillies
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mahapatra
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D010496:Pericardium / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D017180:Tachycardia, Ventricular