WHAT_ ImPulse offers trainees a high-fidelity simulation training module called Janān, simulating the various steps of pediatric cardiac surgery from start to finish in a safe environment that is accurate, consistent, and repeatable. The simulated operations use the same tools and equipment as actual surgery.⁣

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WHY_ Currently, the only way for trainees to practice pediatric surgery is to operate on actual patients. Unfortunately, this exposes patients to unnecessary risk; thus, senior surgeons hesitate to let trainees participate.⁣ More importantly, however, the project started from an impulse to act & help after the war on Gaza in 2021. The Gaza strip has the highest prevalence of congenital heart diseases globally yet doesn't have a local pediatric cardiac surgeon. The devastating number of newborns with heart diseases is attributed to the impossible living conditions, lack of necessary medical devices and equipment, and the frequent military assaults they suffer.⁣

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HOW_ Janān is entirely 3D printed, with heart modules representing common congenital heart deformities that all pediatric cardiac surgeons should be able to treat. 3D printing is beneficial for economically and politically constrained areas, where it is otherwise difficult to access medical training devices. Hence, I plan to freely publish the files online to help surgical trainees worldwide develop their skills.⁣

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AND_ I still need to optimise and simplify the heart fabrication process, develop a surgical training programme centred around Janān, and clinically test it against traditional training methods. Thus, ⁣I’m looking for opportunities or professionals to develop this project further; please reach out if you know anything :)⁣