Simulation in Angiography - Experiences from 5 Years Teaching, Training, and Research

Purpose The example of university radiology/neuroradiology illustrates how high-tech angiography simulators can be used meaningfully in teaching, clinical training and research. Materials and Methods/Technical Basics A VIST LAB simulator (Mentice, Gothenburg, Sweden), which has been continuously developed both in terms of software and hardware, has been in use since 2013. Recently, the simulator has been integrated into the angiography suite Azurion (Philips, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Results/Areas of Application In student education there is the possibility for intensive examination of cerebrovascular diseases and their therapy in small group lessons. The training of beginners in diagnostic and interventional angiography begins mandatorily on the simulator. Research questions are the proof of validity and the training effect, but also the influence on patient safety and the possible cost reduction of an intervention. Conclusion As a result of continuous further development in recent years, simulators are now very well suited for both student teaching and beginner medical training. In the future, even experienced interventionalists could benefit from further technical advances, which should also be driven by academic research. Possible effects would be the reduction of examination times, complications and costs.