In this personal testimonial, Dr. Christopher Molvar—Clinical Advisor at Cook Medical and Professor of Vascular & Interventional Radiology at Loyola University Medical Center—shares his journey from early ultrasound phantoms to the development of a dedicated embolization training module in partnership with Mentice. His reflections highlight the real-world value of simulation in building procedural skills, improving confidence, and supporting safer, more effective treatments.
Simulation-based mastery learning is transformative to medical education, fostering procedural excellence through deliberate practice and continuous feedback until mastery is achieved. My introduction to simulation learning came late – during my interventional radiology fellowship, now some 15 years ago, with the use of ultrasound phantoms. These were homemade phantoms using grocery store items intended to mimic lesional biopsy and blood vessel access. I was captivated. So much so, I volunteered to build the mentioned phantoms and mentor trainees for an ultrasound skills course at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). This commitment evolved into my leadership of the course with significant enhancements to the hands-on experience. At Loyola University Medical Center, I carried this vision forward, establishing a dedicated simulation course to teach radiology residents ultrasound-guided needle placement. These endeavors solidified my commitment to simulation-based training to elevate procedural competence and confidence.
This project began with a shared vision to improve embolization training. Collaborating with Cook Medical and Mentice was an iterative process, blending expert feedback and advanced technology to create a model tailored to clinical realities. Together, we developed a computer-based simulator designed to teach the intricate skills of endovascular embolization. Catheterization, including realistic tactile feedback, and coil embolization are emphasized. To ensure authenticity, the model mirrors real-world inventories, offering a variety of catheter shapes, microcatheters, and both pushable and detachable coils. The Mentice simulator is the gateway to mastering a complex procedure with precision and confidence. I am proud to share this model and its potential to enhance procedural education.
Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common visceral aneurysm, and treatment is often recommended when it reaches 2 cm in size. This is a disease process every interventional radiologist will encounter in practice. Treatment with bridging embolization is showcased resulting in durable aneurysm exclusion, including elimination of retrograde collateral perfusion. Its visually striking design not only captivates users but also reinforces critical embolization concepts. The model is dynamic and enables exploration of aneurysm exclusion with a stent graft and aneurysm coil packing, both of which preserve in-line spleen perfusion. In doing so, all common treatment considerations are offered.
The vision for this simulator began at Cook Medical, whose unwavering commitment to hands-on endovascular training drove development. Through combining modern interventional devices with virtual learning, the project highlights the potential to improve procedural safety and patient outcomes. Simulation offers a risk-free environment for clinicians to experiment, problem-solve, and ultimately refine their skills. Users can witness firsthand the impact of unsuitable coil selection, gaining deeper insights into achieving the ideal embolization outcome.
The partnership between Mentice and Cook Medical exemplifies a shared commitment to quality and innovation. By accurately depicting vascular anatomy and replicating intricate endovascular techniques, the simulator offers unparalleled realism.
The Mentice virtual reality simulator is more than a tool; it’s the gateway to procedural mastery. By offering a realistic, risk-free environment for learning and practice, it equips trainees with the confidence and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of splenic artery embolization.
Visceral Aneurysm Management will soon be part of our embolization procedural learning modules. Fill out the form here to receive launch updates, sneak previews, and exclusive insights.
To always stay on top within the field of medical simulation and its development subscribe to our news and resource list
More from Mentice
