Abstract
Abstract
Background: Achieving competence in transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) requires a clear understanding of cardiac anatomy as well as an ability to correlate two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic images with the three-dimensional (3D) structures which they represent. Training in the technique is a long process, which may also be hampered by insufficient access to teaching in the clinical environment. These challenges would be met by a simulator which demonstrates detailed cardiac anatomy with a previously unavailable degree of accuracy.
Methods: A TOE simulator system was created by collaboration with a wide range of clinical specialists and a post-production company skilled in the generation of computer graphics and special effects for the film industry. The core of the system is an animated, accurate and detailed virtual heart. Echocardiographic simulation was developed to provide a real-time display of ultrasound images alongside the 3D anatomical correlate of the imaging plane.
Results: A freely interactive animated model of the heart was created as the basis for ultrasound simulation. Creation of a mannequin simulator which drives the software allowed reproduction of the practical experience of the TOE procedure.
Conclusions: Partnership with groups with a wide diversity of skills can result in a simulator teaching tool of high fidelity.
© 2010 Wright, licensee Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Journals.
Article metrics loading...
/content/journals/10.5339/ahcsps.2011.2
2011-04-14
2024-03-29
Full text loading...
/deliver/fulltext/ahcsps/2011/1/ahcsps.2011.2.html?itemId=/content/journals/10.5339/ahcsps.2011.2&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah
References
-
Eltzschig
HK
et al. Impact of Transesophageal Echocardiography on Surgical Decisions in 12,566
Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery. Ann Thorac Surg. 2008; 85::845–852.
[Google Scholar]
-
Shanewise
JS
et al. ASE/SCA guidelines for performing a comprehensive intraoperative multiplane
transesophageal echocardiography examination: recommendations of the American
Society of Echocardiography Council for Intraoperative Echocardiography and the
Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists Task Force for Certification in
Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography. Anesth Analg. 1999; 89(4)::870–884.
[Google Scholar]
-
Cahalan
MK
et al. American Society of Echocardiography and Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists
Task Force Guidelines for Training in Perioperative Echocardiography. Anesth Analg.
2002; 94(6)::1384–138.
[Google Scholar]
-
Bose
R
et al. Transesophageal Echocardiography Simulator: A New Learning Tool. Journal
of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. 2009; 23 No 4 (August)::544–548.
[Google Scholar]
-
Smith, LA, et al. Expert evaluation of a novel transoesophageal
echocardiography simulator. Poster presentation, EuroEcho, Copenhagen, December
2010.
-
Scalese
RJ
et al. Simulation Technology for Skills Training and Competency Assessment in Medical
Education. J Gen Intern Med. 2008; 23(Suppl 1)::46–49.
[Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.5339/ahcsps.2011.2