"The beat goes on": Understanding the concepts of nuclear cardiology utilizing simple clay and balloon models: A novel approach

Learning Objectives We demonstrate a new unique method of teaching the concepts of nuclear cardiology utilizing simple clay and balloon models. With these models we demonstrate everything from nuclear instrumentation and artifacts, concepts of ischemia and infarct, stress testing and pharmacologic agents, and concepts of nuclear cardiac PET studies. We present these new methods of learning as a resident and attending education tool

We discuss the conventional methods of teaching the concepts of nuclear cardiology. We show how the utilization of simple clay and balloon models can be utilized to teach all the many concepts and practical applications of nuclear cardiology. These simple 3D models have proven to result in an improved understanding and retention of concepts for residents, attending physicians and all members of the health care team. In addition, these models can also be utilized as a tool for patient education, with an increased understanding and can also be used as a tool for patient consent for procedures. These models are simple, inexpensive, and easy to carry and demonstrate when instruction is needed. We will demonstrate all the concepts of nuclear cardiology anatomy, concepts of ischemia and infarct, stress testing and utilization of pharmacologic agents, artifacts, understand of nuclear instrumentation, concepts of nuclear PET and SPECT CT , and many other concepts. These models also serve as a simplified approach will teach the concepts of cardiac diagnosis, and demonstrate methods of treatment when disease is encountered