Maria Birsoan

Ms. Maria Birsoan

Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, City of London, UK

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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28 June 2022 in Applied Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SWShu Wang
Shu Wang
CSCarlo Saija
Carlo Saija
JCJustin Jin Wai Choo
Justin Jin Wai Choo
ZOZhanchong Ou
Zhanchong Ou
MBMaria Birsoan
Maria Birsoan
Kawal RhodeKawal Rhode
Kawal Rhode
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment used in the management of various arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation. Enhanced training for electrophysiologists through the use of physical simulators has a significant role in improving patient outcomes. The requirements for a high-fidelity simulator for cardiac RFA are challenging and not fully met by any research or commercial simulator at present. In this study, we have produced and evaluated a 3D-printed, bi-atrial model contained in a custom-made enclosure for RFA simulation using a new soft tissue-mimicking polymer, Layfomm-40, combined with thermochromic pigment and barium sulphate in an acrylic paint carrier. We evaluated the conductive properties of Layfomm-40, its sensitivity to RFA, and its visibility in X-ray imaging, and carried a full simulation of RFA in the cardiac catheterization laboratory by an electrophysiologist. We demonstrated that a patient-specific 3D-printed Layfomm-40 bi-atrial model coated with a custom thermochromic/barium sulphate paint was compatible with the CARTO3 electroanatomic mapping system and could be effectively imaged using X-ray fluoroscopy. We demonstrated the effective delivery and visualization of radiofrequency ablation lesions in this model. The simulator meets nearly all the requirements for high-fidelity physical simulation of RFA. The use of such simulators is likely to have impact on the training of electrophysiologists and the evaluation of novel RFA devices.