Simulation Training for Cardiovascular Specialists

Medical simulation training for angioplasty during a heart attack was demonstrated at the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) 50th Annual Scientific Session in Orlando (FL, USA).

The simulation training was developed by Medical Simulation Corp. (Englewood, CO, USA). The technology is based on the founders' experience in designing aviation simulators for training pilots. Using patented Tiffany tactile force-feel technology, the company's SimSuite Training System emulates the experience of a real catheter procedure, including the sights and sound of a cath lab environment.

Utilizing interactive software, Tiffany reacts to the procedure as a patient would, answering questions and telling doctors if she feels discomfort. Medication reactions and unexpected complications can occur during simulation, as they do in actual clinical settings, testing the health-care team's decision-making skills. The team must react to the electrocardiogram (ECG) and other vital signs monitoring and to the fluoroscopic video of the actual procedure being performed.

"We've seen simulation training benefit other specialties, such as anesthesiology, and gain footholds in other fields,” said Dr. David Holmes, chairman of ACC's Procedural Training Working Group. "It makes sense that we assess how this technology may impact the way cardiovascular specialists learn new procedures and maintain their high skill levels.”



Related Links:
Medical Simulation