CathI — catheter instruction system

Over the last few years the number of minimally invasive cardiological interventions has increased enormously. The equipment has been improved steadily but the education still follows the traditional master-apprentice model. CathI is a new simulation system that allows to train not only the hand-eye co-ordination but also the entire handling with the equipment. The trainee controls everything like in reality with original but insignificantly modified instruments, e.g. guide wire, syringe, control unit for the C-arms, and a foot pedal. According to the real procedure in a catheter laboratory he supervises his activities by using several fluoroscopic screens. The system is based on PC technology (Pentium III, 500 MHz) and generates a frame rate of > 12.5 calculated projections/second.