Educational Impact of a 3D Canine Vascular Simulator for Learning Anatomy and Interventional Radiology Techniques in Veterinary Training

Abstract

Simple Summary Understanding the anatomy of the canine vascular system and performing interventional procedures are complex skills for veterinary students to acquire. Traditional teaching methods often provide limited opportunities for hands-on practice due to ethical, technical, and logistical constraints. To address this challenge, we developed a low-cost, handcrafted simulator that reproduces the main abdominal arteries of the dog. The simulator allows students to practice catheter navigation and vascular access techniques safely, without the need for live animals. Our study evaluated its educational impact among veterinary students and graduates at the University of Zaragoza. After a short training session, participants significantly improved their knowledge of vascular anatomy, manual dexterity, and confidence in performing interventional techniques. They also expressed high satisfaction with the learning experience, highlighting the realism and clarity of the simulator. These results show that simple, affordable simulation tools can effectively complement traditional teaching, making complex anatomical concepts easier to understand and promoting early exposure to interventional radiology in veterinary education.