3D Visualization of the Heart in Immersive Technology Like Mixed Reality

Guest: Dr. Klaudia Proniewska

Host: Anthony H. Kashou, M.D. 

The most commonly applied way of teaching students the foundations of human anatomy and physiology involves textbooks and lectures. This method of transmitting knowledge causes difficulties for students, especially in the context of three-dimensional imaging of organ structures, and as a consequence, translates into difficulties with imagining them. Even with the rapid uptake of knowledge dissemination provided by online materials, including courses and webinars, there is a clear need for learning programs featuring first-hand immersive experiences tailored to individual study paces. In my research, I present an approach to enhance a classical study program by combining multi-modality data and representing them in a Mixed Reality (MR)-based environment. The advantages of the proposed approach have been proven by the conducted investigation of the relationship between heart anatomy, its electrophysiological characteristics, and resulting wave morphology on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Another part of the research focuses on the role of the anatomy of the heart, e.g., the sinoatrial node, in ECG formation, while the MR-based visualization of combined imaging data with non-invasive CineECG (by Peter van Dam) imaging demonstrates the educational application of these advanced technologies for teaching cardiac anatomy and ECG correlations.

Topics Discussed

• Can you explain why three-dimensional structures are important to teach electrophysiology of the heart?


• How does the electrocardiogram (ECG) relate to heart anatomy, and why is this relationship fundamental in understanding cardiac electrophysiology? Give an example.


• Have you implemented any innovative teaching methods or technologies to enhance the learning experience in cardiac anatomy and electrophysiology? If so, can you describe their impact?


• In your experience, what are the most effective ways to convey complex 3D structures and dynamic processes in cardiac anatomy and electrophysiology to students or professionals?

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Podcast episode transcript found here.