Since FDA approval of carotid stents almost two years ago the interest by physicians to perform this procedure has grown, yet only the most highly skilled specialists can perform this delicate procedure. Hence, intense training of these physicians is imperative and Memorial Regional Hospital has been designated as an education center in the training and accreditation of these specialists in Carotid Artery Stenting.
The training program will include the use a “virtual-reality” simulator comparable to those used in cockpit simulators in the aviation industry to satisfy the hands-on portion of the curriculum. The system provides a realistic simulation of guidewires, balloons, stents and other interventional devices that will allow trainees to perform a diagnostic angiogram and full angioplasty procedures. It will also allow the trainee to monitor patients vital signs, perform a neurological exam and administer drugs accordingly all in a controlled and safe environment.
“The use of computer simulation is a novel and effective method to learn new medical procedures, some of which are quite delicate such as carotid stenting,” said Dr. Luis Tami, interventional cardiologist and director of vascular interventions for the Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute. “The current sophistication of computers makes this experience quite real. At Memorial Regional Hospital we are privileged to incorporate this system into our Carotid Stent Program.”
Other components of the training will consist of didactic classroom training, in-hospital proctoring and staff training. Once the physicians have completed the program, they must be proctored for their first procedures as required by the credentialing criteria in their particular institution.
Carotid artery stenting is performed on an increasing number of patients each year in the U.S. It is an alternative to surgery in patients with an increased surgical risk and can give these patients a chance at equal or less complications than the traditional, 50-year-old operation.
“Due to the aging population in Florida, carotid stenting is becoming increasingly common for patients who fit the criteria,” said Dr. Hoang Duong, director of interventional neuro-radiology at Memorial Healthcare System. “Current clinical trials are very promising and are showing that stenting may out number surgeries in the future.”
