EchoComTEE - a simulator for transoesophageal echocardiography.

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Education Technology

Background:

• Transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) demands significant hands-on training.
• Existing training methods may lack sufficient practical experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate EchoComTEE, a novel simulator for transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) training.
• To assess the simulator's effectiveness in enhancing spatial orientation and providing visual feedback.

Main Methods:

• Development of EchoComTEE, a simulator comprising a manikin and dummy probe with electromagnetic tracking.
• Generation of 2D echocardiographic images from 3D datasets based on probe position.
• Side-by-side display of echocardiographic images and a 3D virtual scene for visual feedback.
• Evaluation using a standardized questionnaire with 25 experts and 31 novice users.

Main Results:

• Experts rated the simulator as realistic and recommended it for training.
• Novice users reported improved spatial orientation during simulated TOE procedures.
• The simulator was identified as particularly beneficial for anesthesiologists lacking prior transthoracic echocardiography experience.

Conclusions:

• EchoComTEE is a realistic and effective tool for transesophageal echocardiography (TOE) training.
• The simulator significantly supports spatial orientation, especially for novice users.
• EchoComTEE holds particular promise for anesthesiology training in echocardiography.