Vimedix out of Montreal, Canada has released a new echocardiography simulator that features, among other things, force-feedback technology that allows the trainee to feel what working with a real patient is like.
The technology developed by VIMEDIX Virtual Medical Imaging Training Systems Inc. provides real-time dynamic imaging, using a mannequin, diagnostic probe and sophisticated software – with many echo features simulated for the first time in virtual reality – thereby enabling a realistic echo assessment of cardiac structures.
“Pathology recognition is an essential aspect of echo training,” said Dr. Robert Amyot, the president and co-founder of VIMEDIX who teaches clinical cardiology and echocardiography at Montreal’s Sacre-Coeur Hospital. “With traditional clinical education, exposure to pathologies depends on patient turnaround. Certain less common pathologies may thus be seen for the first time when a patient presents with it. In this setting, the clinician/sonographer may fail to identify the pertinent pathological findings because of lack of previous exposure. Simulation allows the trainee to be exposed to multiple pathologies, both common and uncommon ones. It allows the clinician to be trained to perform image acquisition, image interpretation, and clinical management through the use of various clinical scenarios.”
Press release: Launch of Vimedix Transthoracic Echo Simulator System generates global interest in medical imaging, education communities…
Product page: Vimedix transthoracic echocardiography simulator…