Devotini Aortic Sim: A Realistic Aortic Valve Simulator

14. 03. 2025

In 2013, Roger Devotini and Abdullrazak Hossien jointly received the prestigious J&J ETHICON & EACTS award for their simulators focused on training for aortic valve surgery. One of the outcomes of these successful projects was the serial production version of Devotini Aortic Sim, which primarily stems from Roger Devotini’s ideas.

Emphasis on Maximum Realism

The main goal of the project was to create an environment that would closely resemble a real aorta and aortic valve. Unlike previous simulators, which typically used only approximate substitutes for real structures, this time the team—working with Prof. Turina and Roger Devotini—focused on accurately preserving both anatomical shapes and the key material properties.

As a result, the development was significantly more demanding and lasted nearly a year. Throughout this period, the team tested various versions to ensure that the final simulator would meet the rigorous requirements of cardiothoracic training and provide surgeons with the best possible preparation for real-world procedures.

First Public Presentation

The first “test” versions of Devotini Aortic Sim were introduced to the professional community in October 2014 at the EACTS congress in Milan. There, the simulator received valuable feedback, which led to minor adjustments before mass production began.

Thanks to a well-thought-out manufacturing process and the use of innovative materials, the team created a simulator that offers surgeons a realistic model of the aorta and valve, thereby contributing to effective training for challenging aortic procedures.

Wide Range of Training Possibilities

The current serial version of Devotini Aortic Sim enables practicing four key techniques for aortic valve procedures. Each one focuses on different aspects of the operation, allowing the simulator to provide room for practicing various steps and details of the procedure:

1. Correction or replacement of the aortic valve.
2. Manipulation of the aortic root in various types of reconstructive procedures.
3. Techniques related to addressing calcification or deformities of the valve.
4. Approaches for minimally invasive or alternative procedures (depending on course requirements or the surgeon’s expertise).

By allowing surgeons to maintain and refine their skills in a controlled environment, Devotini Aortic Sim significantly enhances both the safety and efficiency of real operations.

Conclusion

Devotini Aortic Sim is the result of a concerted effort to faithfully replicate the anatomy and properties of the human aorta and aortic valve. The award from J&J ETHICON & EACTS in 2013, along with a year of careful development and subsequent modifications following its presentation at the EACTS congress in Milan in 2014, demonstrate the team’s strong focus on detail and long-term usability.

Thanks to these efforts, Devotini Aortic Sim provides both surgeons and residents with a high degree of realism when training for aortic valve procedures, thus helping to improve outcomes in demanding cardiothoracic surgeries.