Real-time Simulation of Cardiac Electrophysiology for Medical Training and Diagnosis Support - Epicardio Ltd

Medical training conventionally takes place on cadavers, animals, mannequin models - if
available - and finally “on-the-patient”. In most cases trainees read a book, receive an
introduction in the cadaver lab and then go straight on-the-patient under supervision. This
mode represents the highest cost per trainee and highest risk to patient. At the same time,
surgical procedures are becoming more complex. Minimally invasive techniques have become
commonplace because they reduce operating theatre and hospitalisation times and minimise
risk to patient. However, such techniques are based on complex technology and rely heavily
on a combination of cognitive and dexterity skills. Furthermore, increasing demand in
healthcare due to ageing population and continued cost cutting pressures create an evident
need for more effective medical training at a lower cost and reduced risk to patient.
This need can be met by introducing an intermediate layer of training that is effective, safe,
easily accessible and inexpensive. With ever increasing bandwidth of broadband
communications and processing speeds and the proliferation of multi-core processors, it is
gradually becoming feasible to solve bigger problems on smaller computers. The proposed
interactive 3D simulation solution has the potential to facilitate medical training on a
“learning-by-doing” basis, online and on low-cost computers.
In cardiology training one of the biggest challenges is mastering the dynamic electrical events
of the heart in normal and pathological states. Cardiac Electrophysiology focuses on the
heart’s electrical system and its timing, and Electrocardiography (ECG) is the method of
recording the heart’s electrical activity. ECG is the most widely available diagnostic tool for
assessing heart failure, and is commonly used by cardiologists, GP’s, nurses and allied health
professionals. Conventional ECG diagnosis is based on memorising 2-dimensional patterns,
without understanding the actual problem inside the heart. This creates a “significant gap" in
interpreting ECG, which often leads to misdiagnosis and medical error. It is estimated that
over 80million ECG diagnoses are performed annually worldwide, and approximately 10% of
these lead to misdiagnoses, which are either life threatening for the patient, or lead to
inappropriate referrals and increased healthcare costs.