The repair of congenital heart defects first became possible in the 1960s, and Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds was a pioneering centre. However, in the early years, congenital heart problems were poorly understood and could often not be repaired. To improve the outcomes of cardiac surgery, Dr Leon Gerlis established a collection of hearts with defects which was used for training by cardiac surgeons. The so-called Gerlis collection remains very important for education. However, modern laws make it difficult to use the collection and novel methods of education about congenital heart problems are needed. This does not only apply to surgical training but increasingly also to patients and parents who require a better understanding of congenital heart disease.

Over recent years it has become possible to make virtual copies of the many different objects, including the heart. The copies that are made can replace the original hearts, and multiple copies can be produced for use in education and research.

In the initial part of the project, Ms Van Doorn and her team will obtain digital images of the Gerlis Collection by performing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of the hearts. The scans will be stored in a computer, and this will become a digital archive of the original collection. They will then develop further computer programmes to reconstruct 3D models of the hearts for use in education.

Depending on the computer programme, the virtual Gerlis heart models can be displayed in a variety of ways, such as in mobile phones Apps, holograms, or as 3D printed models. The team is keen to develop educational resources that are suitable for a wide range of learners and subsequently will seek extensive input from future users for the optimal design of their programme. The first heart model that will be developed is a hologram. However, as the information in the virtual Gerlis archive can be used many times again, it will be possible to continue to develop many new heart models and adapt these to the needs of individual users.

This project will open the Gerlis collection to many different groups for training and teaching. The digital archive will also enable access for research groups to further their understanding of congenital heart disease or help design new treatments.