Virtual Echocardiography Training System Launched for Interventionalists
Interactive, cloud-based training tool features 3D imagery
Vida Systems, a company focused on creating innovative training technologies, has announced the launch of its first product, VidaEcho. VidaEcho is a software platform designed to teach the mechanics of echocardiography before a practitioner ever encounters a live patient.
“The field of structural heart intervention is growing rapidly, creating the need for advanced training options,” said Russell Ivanhoe, MD, company founder.
The VidaEcho system features a simulated 3D anatomy of the heart, and the corresponding echo image. By moving a virtual echo probe handle with a mouse, users learn how the device will interact with cardiac anatomy. The application features an intuitive user interface and highly realistic depictions of the heart’s anatomy and ultrasound, with both transesophageal (TEE) and transthoracic (TTE) modes available. The system offers preset views but can also be customized. Features also include the ability to overlay the echo image onto the 3D anatomy, so that the physicians can internalize the translation of 3D anatomy to 2D images, a common hurdle for mastering echocardiography learning.
“There have been tremendous developments in the field of echocardiography in the last 30 years. Echo now plays a central role in the diagnosis and management of many cardiovascular conditions. Training new users in echocardiography is more important than ever and has become very complex,” said Randy Martin, MD, FASE, Professor Emeritus at Emory University, Director of Valvular and Structural Heart Disease at Piedmont Heart Institute. “VidaEcho can fill this gap by enabling users to learn virtually through simulating tremendous complexity with flexible learning tools.”
VidaEcho is cloud-based, which allows health care providers to train anytime, from anywhere. The software is designed to engage, challenge, coach and reward users — all while teaching complex human anatomy, physiology, pathology and medical procedures.
To learn more, please visit www.vida-systems.com or follow Vida Systems on Twitter at @vidasystems.
