An anthropomorphic phantom for atrial transseptal puncture simulation training.

Background: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a critical prerequisite for left-sided cardiac interventions, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation and left atrial appendage closure. Despite its routine nature, TSP can be technically demanding and carries a risk of complications. This study presents a novel, patient-specific, anthropomorphic phantom for TSP simulation training that can be used with X-ray fluoroscopy and ultrasound imaging.

A mixed-methods analysis of the climate impact, acceptability, feasibility and cost of switching from single-use pulp to reusable plastic trays in a large NHS trust.

A large, multi-site NHS trust piloted switching from single-use pulp to reusable plastic trays for use in clinical care. This mixed-methods analysis combines quantitative cost-effectiveness and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculations with a stakeholder analysis and user survey to not only ascertain the cost and climate implications of this intervention, but to also better understand the use of trays across the trust to improve staff buy-in and, ultimately, the feasibility and success of the policy. We show that the plastic trays are both more cost-effective and climate friendly compared with the pulp trays, even using an annual replacement rate of 50% (higher than our anticipated rate of 5%), and that staff and key stakeholders would support the policy.