Establishment of teaching and training model for transesophageal echocardiography based on swine

Abstract

The education programs for transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), which plays significant roles in various surgical procedures, in China is currently limited to stimulation system and in-hospital patients. Although, existing TEE simulators have become increasingly sophisticated, the use of animal models retains significant advantages in terms of enabling dynamic cardiac monitoring. The aim of this study is to develop a better teaching and training program for TEE and establish baseline values for the porcine animal model. The thorough TEE examinations were conducted in 10 domestic porcine weighing 45-60kg according to ASA guideline for TEE. All the recommended views were explored and saved. The depth and angles of each view were recorded. Additionally, hemodynamic measurements were performed and recorded. All parameters were compared with human reference values. The porcine model is feasible to initiate a teaching model, and TEE baseline values were acquired for more development in the experimental porcine model.