Mentice has announced the release of the world’s first simulation training software module for prostatic artery embolization. The software, created from real patients’ data, will allow interventional radiologists to train for the procedure.
The software has been developed together with two of the world’s leading prostatic artery embolization authorities: Shivank Bhatia, associate professor, Interventional Radiology and Urology, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, USA, and Marc Sapoval, professor of Radiology, Hôpital Européen George-Pompidou, Paris, France.
“The Mentice software, created from real patients’ data, will allow interventional radiologists to train for prostatic artery embolization, and will help reduce the steep learning curve associated with this technically challenging and complex procedure,” says Bhatia. “Collaborating with Mentice has resulted in a training innovation that I am personally very proud of.”
Prostatic artery embolization is a novel procedure that was first presented at SIR 2011. A minimally invasive endovascular procedure, it has been shown to be safe and efficacious. The procedure scores highly in terms of patient satisfaction, and dramatically reduces length of hospital stay compared to transurethral resection of the prostate.
“Prostatic artery embolization,” said Sapoval, “is a demanding procedure performed by experienced interventional radiologists. The anatomy is highly variable, the microcatheter and microwire skills required are advanced, and a high degree of technical competence in various areas is essential. Simulation training aims to facilitate the learning curve for performing prostatic artery embolization.”
Mentice formally released and demonstrated the simulation training software at Society of Interventional Radiology’s 2017 annual scientific meeting (4–9 March, Washington, DC, USA).
