The Visible Heart™: the collaborative development and use of this educational tool by the University of Minnesota and Medtronic

The Visible Heart™ is an isolated working heart model that allows for functional intracardiac imaging. This novel visualization method and the resultant images obtained from large mammalian hearts, including those of humans, are considered of unique educational value. The development of this model and the utilization of the images for educational purposes is the joint mission of the University and Medtronic. To date, the mode of distribution of such materials has been non-profit, but they are considered of significant value to each partner because they improve procedural safety through physician education and they facilitate customer and public relations. Without this cooperative effort, progress on this project would not have proceeded to such an extent or at such a rate.