title: Diagnostic coronary angiography: initial results of a simulation program.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of simulator-based teaching in cardiology has unfortunately lagged behind other procedural specialties. This study investigates the utility of a simulator-based training program for fellows in cardiovascular disease with no prior experience in diagnostic coronary angiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  First-year cardiology fellows at University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC) using AngioMentor™ simulators completed benchmark cases requiring basic coronary engagement. Subsequently, benchmark cases were completed one day later and at 9months following 2-3months of training in the cardiac catheterization lab. In addition, 1st year cardiology fellows were compared to 3rd year fellows. Objective measures assessed from benchmark cases were total procedural time, total contrast used, and total fluoroscopy time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 1st year fellows improved their total time to complete the benchmark case from initial to second attempt one day later (14:56 on Day 1, 8:30 on Day 2, P=0.03). Total contrast used (60mL on Day 1, 39mL on Day 2, P=0.11) and total fluoroscopic time (6:30 on Day 1 and 4:26 on Day 2, P=0.16) also both decreased. Overall procedure time and contrast use were similar among 1st and 3rd year fellows after simulation training. Decreases in procedure and fluoroscopy time were maintained in 1st year fellows after 2-3months of training.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fellows displayed technical and procedural improvement at diagnostic coronary angiography in a short period of time and in a safe, patient free environment. In this study, a computer-based simulator was successfully incorporated into a first year cardiovascular fellowship curriculum and represents a contemporary means to provide the fellow increased procedural training without added risk to the patient.
  The use of simulator-based teaching in cardiology has unfortunately lagged behind other procedural specialties. In this study, a computer-based simulator was successfully incorporated into a first year cardiovascular fellowship curriculum. A firm teaching curriculum is the next step towards implementing this modality in an organized fashion.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago.
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Casey
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, University of Illinois at Chicago. Electronic address: miv@uic.edu.
authors.forename: Mladen I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Vidovich
mesh_terms: D002309:Cardiology / Q000193:education*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D059032:Learning Curve; D009048:Motor Skills; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Fellowship training; Interventional cardiology; Simulation