Cath Lab Digest - October 2007 - (Page 54)

54 ONLINE EDUCATION OCTOBER 2007 A Virtual Cath Lab Viewer (VCL) The Development of an Online 3D C-arm Simulator and Coronary Anatomy Viewer Shawn Larson, DCR(R), MSc Vycaria, Great Edstone, United Kingdom both staff and patients. • Increase lab throughput. VCL — Fluoroscopy and MRI VCLs are computer-based fluoroscopy simulators and anatomical viewers. They use a real-time, interactive, 3D games-rendering engine (similar to Playstation and Xbox) to deliver a PC-based “virtual catheterization laboratory” fluoroscopy simulation environment. This environment enables visualization and interaction between computergenerated anatomical models and fluoroscopic equipment models to realistically replicate the movement and visualisation “physics” of a real image intensifier with a patient on the table. Within the VCL, the table movements, bi-plane c-arm angulations and corresponding display of radiological anatomy on frontal and lateral monitors are a completely accurate representation of what you would expect to see if you were to practice screening in a real catheterization laboratory using a set of phantom anatomical models. To aid correlation between fluoroscopic and cross-sectional anatomy, “MRI mode” has been incorporated into the bi-plane VCL. This enables instant switching between fluoroscopic anatomical visualization and cross-sectional anatomical visualization, using the c-arms as “mini-MRI scanners.” The cross-section thickness can be user-defined, and both frontal and lateral scan-planes can be adjusted while simultaneously allowing free range of movement of the c-arms and table. The Future: We need your help Vycaria seeks to help cardiologists, radiographers, generic workers and anyone else responsible for controlling fluoroscopic equipment during radiological procedures to work as efficiently as possible. However, we also believe that the best way to carry our products forward is to ask the users of our products what they think about them — what they like, dislike, want to see added or taken away, etc. Introduction Fluoroscopic procedures may involve high radiation doses to both patients and staff. Quick and accurate positioning of the patient and image intensifier, combined with good radiological/surface anatomical awareness generally comes with experience, and is learnt by performing procedures in real life. By combining a realistic environment for fluoroscopy with a radiological/ cross-sectional anatomical reference tool, Vycaria’s virtual cath lab viewer (VCL) may help to: • Increase the efficiency and safety of diagnostic and interventional procedures. • Reduce the radiation dose to Virtual Cath Lab (VCL) has three interactive modes: 1. Screening Disabled This is how the premium edition of the single-plane VCL looks when first started. The arrow buttons on your keyboard allow you to rotate, and the left and right mouse buttons can be used to zoom in and out, allowing you to take a closer look at objects. The mouse cursor can be used to “select & identify” various objects (e.g., the circumflex), and a corresponding text panel will give you more information about the selected object. There is a menu bar along the right-hand side of the screen, which can be moved up and down. The menu bar displays various icons, allowing the user to access the help system, show/hide anatomical features and equipment, load additional anatomical models, etc. 2. Screening Enabled Pressing the spacebar on your keyboard will allow you to switch to ‘screening enabled’ mode. Now the arrow buttons on your keyboard will move the c-arm. The left and right mouse buttons will control table height, and your mouse movements now directly translate to floating top table movements. The function keys will perform a variety of actions, e.g., mag up and down, toggle the visibility of the anatomical models, engage the automatic sequencer, etc.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cath Lab Digest - October 2007

Saints Medical Center Fibromuscular Dysplasia in Children and Adolescents Cerebral Vascular Accident Following a Pulmonary Embolism: Search for the Hidden Patent Foramen Ovale Contents Clinical Editor’s Corner Meetings Calendar CEU Education Center Radiation Tracking in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab Letter to the Editor Carotid Stenting: An update Release from Stent-jail: Beneficial Snow-Plowing? Patient Management Guidelines Searching for a Cardiovascular Position? Tips for Creating a ‘Stand-Out’ Resume Long-Term Implications of Short-Term Closure Decisions – The Evolution to Vascular Access Management and the Boomerang Catalyst System The Ten-Minute Interview with… Angie Bowles, RN, CCRN CMS Issues Final FY 2008 IPPS Rule ACVP• Membership Page Experience with a New Workhorse Guidewire Ask the Clinical Instructor: Q&A for Those New to Cath Lab A Glimpse of the Future of Clinical Education: Boston Scientific’s SimSuite Bus Visits Carnegie Institute 2007 Educational Fair Held at the Washington Hospital Center Research Update: Original Contribution Abstracts from The Journal of Invasive Cardiology What Do You Think? A Virtual Cath Lab Viewer (VCL): The Development of an Online 3D C-arm Simulator and Coronary Anatomy Viewer Clinical & Industry News Cost-Effectiveness of the Radial versus Femoral Artery Approach to Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterization

Cath Lab Digest - October 2007

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