The Creation of Freely Accessible Cardiac Physiology and Anatomy Educational Tools: AR, VR, Mobile Applications, and the Atlas of Human Cardiac Anatomy Website

With the rapid evolution of virtual teaching technologies, there is a growing demand for accessible, interactive educational tools relative to both cardiac physiology and anatomy. This paper presents a suite of free mobile, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) applications developed by the Visible Heart® Laboratories at the University of Minnesota. These applications leverage real human heart anatomical data and advanced 3D imaging to provide immersive simulations that enhance learning for students and professionals worldwide. Designed for broad accessibilities, these applications allow users to explore the intricacies of detailed cardiac anatomy in highly interactive formats including mobile devices and VR platforms. This suite of applications not only democratizes access to high-quality physiological education, but also enables learners without access to traditional resources like cadaver labs, as a surrogate for hands-on experiences. Early studies suggest these digital tools improve both comprehension and retention of complex physiological concepts, thus marking significant advancements in medical education of the human heart. Through continued developments and global disseminations, these tools aim to support a future where cardiac physiology education is more inclusive and universally accessible.