In echocardiography, images of the functioning heart are obtained through?a transthoracic procedure, a hand-held probe placed over the chest, or a?transesophageal procedure (TEE) that creates close-up images of the heart via a?probe guided through the mouth into the esophagus. A new HeartWorks simulator could make training for the procedure more effective. The simulator, which uses Ascension Technology sensors, uses?a lifelike manikin torso, visualization software, and an ultrasound probe to provide?training in both procedures.
Using the ultrasound probes, trainees gain practice obtaining varied views and interpreting?2D ultrasound images while working in the context of the 3D structures of a beating?heart. The simulated 2D and 3D images are displayed side-by-side on a computer screen.
