Designing a computer-based simulator for interventional cardiology training

Interventional cardiology training traditionally involves one-on-one experi ence following a master-apprentice model, much as other procedural discipli nes. Development of a realistic computer-based training system that include s hand-eye coordination, catheter and guide wire choices, three-dimensional anatomic representations, and an integrated learning system is desirable, in order to permit learning to occur safely, without putting patients at ri sk, Here we present the first report of a PC-based simulator that incorpora tes synthetic fluoroscopy, real-time three-dimensional interactive anatomic display, and selective right- and left-sided coronary catheterization and angiography using actual catheters, Significant learning components also ar e integrated into the simulator, Cathet Cardiovasc. Intervent 51:522-527, 2 000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.