Heart, lung & circulation
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Heart, lung & circulation · May 2012
The use of computerised simulators for training of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. The future of echocardiographic training?
Echocardiography is the commonest form of non-invasive cardiac imaging but due to its methodology, it is operator dependent. Numerous advances in technology have resulted in the development of interactive programs and simulators to teach trainees the skills to perform particular procedures, including transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography. ⋯ This study revealed that both trainee sonographers and TOE proceduralists found the simulation process was realistic, helped in image acquisition and improved assessment of spatial relationships. Echocardiographic simulators may play an important role in the future training of echocardiographic skills.