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. 2016 Mar;17(2):102-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.carrev.2015.12.010. Epub 2015 Dec 28.

Diagnostic coronary angiography: initial results of a simulation program

David B Casey  1 , David Stewart  1 , Mladen I Vidovich  2
Affiliations

Diagnostic coronary angiography: initial results of a simulation program

David B Casey et al. Cardiovasc Revasc Med. 2016 Mar.

Abstract

Background: The use of simulator-based teaching in cardiology has unfortunately lagged behind other procedural specialties. This study investigates the utility of a simulator-based training program for fellows in cardiovascular disease with no prior experience in diagnostic coronary angiography.

Methods: First-year cardiology fellows at University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) using AngioMentor™ simulators completed benchmark cases requiring basic coronary engagement. Subsequently, benchmark cases were completed one day later and at 9months following 2-3months of training in the cardiac catheterization lab. In addition, 1st year cardiology fellows were compared to 3rd year fellows. Objective measures assessed from benchmark cases were total procedural time, total contrast used, and total fluoroscopy time.

Results: All 1st year fellows improved their total time to complete the benchmark case from initial to second attempt one day later (14:56 on Day 1, 8:30 on Day 2, P=0.03). Total contrast used (60mL on Day 1, 39mL on Day 2, P=0.11) and total fluoroscopic time (6:30 on Day 1 and 4:26 on Day 2, P=0.16) also both decreased. Overall procedure time and contrast use were similar among 1st and 3rd year fellows after simulation training. Decreases in procedure and fluoroscopy time were maintained in 1st year fellows after 2-3months of training.

Conclusion: Fellows displayed technical and procedural improvement at diagnostic coronary angiography in a short period of time and in a safe, patient free environment. In this study, a computer-based simulator was successfully incorporated into a first year cardiovascular fellowship curriculum and represents a contemporary means to provide the fellow increased procedural training without added risk to the patient.

Sentence summary: The use of simulator-based teaching in cardiology has unfortunately lagged behind other procedural specialties. In this study, a computer-based simulator was successfully incorporated into a first year cardiovascular fellowship curriculum. A firm teaching curriculum is the next step towards implementing this modality in an organized fashion.

Keywords: Fellowship training; Interventional cardiology; Simulation.

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