Transesophageal Echocardiography Simulator: A New Learning Tool

Evaluation of TEE Training for Chinese Anesthesiology Residents Using Two Various Simulation Systems

“…In addition to the Virtual TEE and VRSim TEE systems mentioned in our study, similar TEE training devices and programs have been reported previously [20][21]23,24]. A TEE simulator training system provides a friendly, comprehensive learning environment that can reduce the TEE "learning curve" [16]. The application of a TEE simulator is an innovative advancement of simulation-based medical training.…”

“…It has been reported that simulator training compared with traditional methods could enhance resident performance in transesophageal echocardiography [13,[16][17][18]. However, there have been no previous reports to compare the efficiency among different simulator training modes.…”

“…Several TEE simulators have been tested in the past few years, such as a web-based training system or a mannequin-and computer-assembled simulation training module [15]. In comparing with traditional TEE training, both web simulator based TEE training and mannequin based TEE training module greatly simplify the understanding of TEE anatomy, image orientation and significantly reduce the learning time and curve [6,16]. There are few disadvantages of these simulators, for example, using web based TEE simulator, trainees is not allowed to have onsite practice in actual probe manipulations and image acquisition, while mannequin based TEE training module is very expensive and such high cost prohibit its widespread use.…”

An interactive online 3D model of the heart assists in learning standard transesophageal echocardiography views

“…These skills can be learned outside the operating room or clinic using mannequin simulators, e.g., HeartWorks, (Inventive Medical Ltd., London, UK) or by performing examinations on anesthetized animal models. 19,21 These settings provide a low stress environment for trainees to practise probe manipulation and image acquisition before encountering patients; however, this educational technology is expensive and has limited availability. Our study did not use a control group, so we did not test whether this technology was better than learning from traditional sources.…”

Automatized fuzzy evaluation of CT scan heart slices for creating 3D/4D heart model

“…Medical education in the 21st century is based not only on theoretical knowledge and activities with patients but also on training by using systems that simulate the process of selected examinations and operations like endoscopy [46], anesthesia [58], surgery [31,47] and ultrasonography [11,57]. Familiarization with the problems of the examination and treatment as well as the presentation of a selected disease details are the purpose of such simulations.…”