[Virtual interventional radiology: evaluation of performances as a function of experience].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of an angioplasty simulation to differentiate the users based on their level of experience. To determine the perceived usefulness of an angioplasty simulation program.


METHODS
Forty-six radiologists performed a renal angioplasty on a VIST simulator (Mentice Corporation, Gothenburg, Sweden); the procedure was completed by 41 radiologists. The radiologists were divided into two groups based on the level of experience. Quantitative variables analyzed included procedure duration time and fluoroscopy time. The radiologists then completed a questionnaire evaluating the simulation program.


RESULTS
Radiologists with more than 2 years of clinical experience (n=14) performed the procedures faster (20.4 min vs 27.4 min, p<0.01) using less fluoroscopy time (7.8 min vs 11.2 min, p<0.05) than others. Radiologists performing more than 2 procedures per month (n=14) performed the procedures faster (19.4 min vs 27.9 min, p<0.01) using less fluoroscopy time (7.4 min vs 11.3 min, p<0.05) than other (n=27). The participating radiologists indicated that the simulation was realistic.


CONCLUSIONS
Procedure duration time and duration of fluoroscopy were criteria able to differentiate the users based on their level of experience. The educational value of the simulation program was perceived as helpful by the users.
Willoteaux
S
S
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital Larrey, CHU Angers, 4, rue Larrey, 49933 Angers Cedex 9, France. willoteauxserge@hotmail.com
Lions
C
C
Duhamel
A
A
Vernhet
H
H
Sapoval
M
M
Boyer
L
L
Bartoli
J M
JM
Rousseau
H
H
Beregi
J P
JP
D000792:Angiography; D017130:Angioplasty; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D015642:Radiology, Interventional / Q000193:education; D012078:Renal Artery Obstruction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface