Open Access

The visualization of heart rhythm disturbance and atrial fibrillation therapy allows the optimization of new cardiac catheter ablations. With the simulation software CST (Computer Simulation Technology, Darmstadt) electromagnetic and thermal simulations can be carried out to analyze and optimize different heart rhythm disturbance and cardiac catheters for pulmonary vein isolation. Another form of visualization is provided by haptic, three-dimensional print models. These models can be produced using an additive manufacturing method, such as a 3d printer. The aim of the study was to produce a 3d print of the Offenburg heart rhythm model with a representation of an atrial fibrillation ablation procedure to improve the visualization of simulation of cardiac catheter ablation. The basis of 3d printing was the Offenburg heart rhythm model and the associated simulation of cryoablation of the pulmonary vein. The thermal simulation shows the pulmonary vein isolation of the left inferior pulmonary vein with the cryoballoon catheter Arctic Front Advance™ from Medtronic. After running through the simulation, the thermal propagation during the procedure was shown in the form of different colors. The three-dimensional print models were constructed on the base of the described simulation in a CAD program. Four different 3d printers are available for this purpose in a rapid prototyping laboratory at the University of Applied Science Offenburg. Two different printing processes were used and a final print model with additional representation of the esophagus and internal esophagus catheter was also prepared for printing. With the help of the thermal simulation results and the subsequent evaluation, it was possible to draw a conclusion about the propagation of the cold emanating from the catheter in the myocardium and the surrounding tissue. It was measured that just 3 mm from the balloon surface into the myocardium the temperature dropped to 25 °C. The simulation model was printed using two 3d printing methods. Both methods, as well as the different printing materials offer different advantages and disadvantages. All relevant parts, especially the balloon catheter and the conduction, are realistically represented. Only the thermal propagation in the form of different colors is not shown on this model. Three-dimensional heart rhythm models as well as virtual simulations allow very clear visualization of complex cardiac rhythm therapy and atrial fibrillation treatment methods. The printed models can be used for optimization and demonstration of cryoballoon catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies are becoming increasingly popular in all areas of product development. Therefore, it is imperative that students be taught Design for AM. However, due to the rapid development of new methods and materials for AM, it does not make sense to only teach particular design guidelines, as these can quickly become obsolete. Rather, students should acquire the competence to develop guidelines themselves, that take into account the current state of the art. Thus, they will be able to react to changing processes and new materials in the future. In order to convey the independent development of design guidelines for additive manufacturing by students, a new concept was developed, which is presented in this contribution. In this process, the learning goal is worked out by a group of students on the basis of a practical task. The group consists of an interdisciplinary team in order to combine different competencies and to provide different perspectives on the task. A case study will show the design and manufacture of a miniature aircraft using Fused Layer Modelling. The aim of the development is above all the design for additive manufacturing. In addition, a low use of resources in combination with lightweight construction should be achieved. In the implementation of the task, the students are confronted with challenging aerodynamic design of wings as well as with the economic evaluation of the development process. An examination of the level of knowledge before and after the case study examines the learning success.

Im Jahr 1504 verlor der Ritter Götz von Berlichingen in einem Krieg die rechte Hand. Noch auf dem Krankenbett arbeitete er die Idee für eine Eisenprothese aus, die er in der Folge anfertigen ließ. Mittels moderner Computertechnik hat ein Team aus Offenburg sie reproduziert.