The exciting progress in the field of Endovascular therapy and the level of commitment from The Iowa Clinic Vascular Surgery Department has allowed The Iowa Clinic to be chosen as one of 25 sites to participate in the training of physicians wanting to learn this procedure.  Iowa Clinic Vascular Surgeons will be training physicians from as far away as China as they participate as a Regional Education Center for the further development and training of carotid angioplasty and stenting. 

The training model involves physicians observing but not directly performing the procedures on patients.  The actual hands-on technical training will be in the form of computer-based simulators that were developed by researchers familiar with cockpit simulators in the aviation industry. 

ANGIO Mentor Vascular Simulator

Surgeons wanting to train on carotid angioplasty and stenting will learn the procedure while using a simulator.  The ANGIO Mentor Vascular Simulator is designed to enhance a surgeon's device-related skills, maual dexterity, guidewire and catheter skills, as well as decision-making processes regarding appropriate instrument choice.  The system provides a realistic simulation of guidewires, balloons, stents and other interventional devices.

Using the ANGIO Mentor, a surgeon will be able to perform a diagnostic angiogram or perform full angioplasty balloon procedures or similar procedures using a stent or other interventional devices.  The simulator allows a surgeon in training to monitor patient's vital signs, perform a neurological exam, and administer drugs accordingly, all in a controlled and safe environment.  The look and feel of the system is so real, the surgeon will quickly feel as if he/she is in an actual procedure.