Simbionix is now able to offer a complete training curriculum for electrophysiologists on the ANGIO Mentor, allowing the physicians a safe environment in which to train until proficient in the essential tasks they are required to perform.

Cleveland, OH, USA: Simbionix USA Corporation, the world's leading provider of medical education and simulation technology, is happy to announce the release of their new Transseptal Puncture Module for the ANGIO Mentor simulator.

Due to the growing interest in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), the transseptal puncture has become a required routine skill for the modern cardiac electrophysiologist.

The Transseptal Puncture permits a direct route to the LA via the intra-atrial septum (by puncturing the fossa ovalis) and systemic venous system.

"Addressing our clients' needs we developed a highly realistic module, providing a cost effective and efficient training solution for one of the most crucial skills required of electrophysiologists", said Ms.

Inbal Mazor, Simbionix VP of Marketing.

"While the left atrium (LA) is the most difficult cardiac chamber to access percutaneously, it is an essential skill to master and plays an important role in the cardiac electrophysiologist's daily practice".

Having developed the new transseptal module, Simbionix is now able to offer a complete training curriculum for electrophysiologists on the ANGIO Mentor, allowing the physicians a safe environment in which to train until proficient in the essential tasks they are required to perform.

These tasks include advancing the EP catheter into the coronary sinus and the Josephson catheter in the HIS area, and performing two transseptal punctures, when needed.

Practical aspects of this important technique include identifying the optimal transseptal puncture site and using correct and safe puncturing technique.

During the simulation, life threatening complications such as aortic puncture, one of the common complications associated with these procedures, need to be attended to.