Interactive Models that Simplify Cardiac Concepts
Evidence-based, classroom-tested tools proven to improve visualization, clinical reasoning, and student engagement.
Recognized for Innovation:
Complex cardiovascular concepts are hard to teach — and harder to understand.
Abnormal circulation patterns are difficult to visualize in 2D
Learners struggle to connect anatomy to physiology and clinical signs
Traditional teaching tools don’t allow for active manipulation or comparison
CardioEducator™ turns anatomy into active learning.
CardioEducator™ is a 3D-printed congenital heart defect learning model created by a pediatric nurse practitioner and nurse educator. Its puzzle-like pieces allow learners to build normal and fetal circulations, as well as common congenital heart defects, including VSD, ASD, PDA, and Tetralogy of Fallot, within a single interactive model. This hands-on design helps learners visualize cardiac physiology, deepen their understanding of congenital heart defects, and connect cardiac anatomy to clinical care.
Watch how CardioEducator can model a Ventral Septal Defect.
Developed by nursing faculty. Studied in real classrooms.
Created by Stephanie L. Schaller, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC
Used and evaluated across multiple undergraduate nursing programs
Grant-supported educational innovation
Presented at professional conferences
NursEdvance Innovations was born from a need to increase understanding of nursing concepts through new technologies that make learning more interactive, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients. Learn more
