CEST: Professional Simulation Training
Training to a New Level of Virtual Reality
Εcho Lab of Mediterraneo Hospital is accredited by European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) 2024-2029 (Advanced Level)
Accrediations
Scheduled Seminars
Seminar TΕE May 24 Group 5 Attendees
Enrollment is completed
Seminar TEE June 24 Group 5 Attendees
Enrollment is completed
One On One TTE Training
15-16 June 2024 Enrollment is completed
Seminar TEE July 24 Group 5 Attendees
Enrollment is completed
One On One TEE Training
8-10 July 2024 Enrollement is completed
Seminar TEE Sept 24 Group 5 Attendees
Enrollement is completed
Seminar TEE Sep 24 (II), 5 Attendees
14-15 Sept 2024 Enrollement is completed
Seminar TEE Oct 24 Group 5 Attendees
Enrollement is completed
Seminar TEE Nov 24, Group 5 Attendees
Enrollment is completed
Seminar TEE Dec 24, Group 5 Attendees
Enrollement is completed
Two Week Internship in Echocardiography 07.01.25 - 21.01.25
Enrollement is completed
Τwo Week Internship in Echocardiography 28.05.25 - 11.06.25
Enrollement is completed
Seminar TEE Jan 25 Group 5 Attendees
Open for applications
Seminar TEE Feb 25 Group 5 Attendees
Open for applications
SIMULATION
Simulators offer a full education program in Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography for trainees in Cardiology, Cardiologists, Anesthesiologists, and all doctors who are interested in the field of Echocardiography. Simulation-based learning offers to the trainee a high quality examination, in a low stress and low pressure environment with a functioning realistic probe and a realistic mannequin similar to living patients.
The simulator enables a real time 3D reconstruction of the cardiac anatomy in a variety of clinical scenarios. In every case there is a simultaneous anatomically accurate and interactive 3D heart, so trainees can relate the anatomic to the ultrasound imaging. This 3D heart model can be rotated and sliced in any direction and the intracardiac structures can be highlighted.
Training is obtained in a wide range of clinical cases, including normal heart and lungs, various disease states and key cardiac devices. Coronary artery disease, valvular cardiac diseases, cardiomyopathies, pericardial diseases, cardiac tamponade, congenital heart disease, acute aortic syndromes, prosthetic valves, cardiac devices, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, as well as a lot of clinical cases and scenarios that are included in the educational program of the simulation system. Testing platform allows tutors to create standardized or customized tests for students and is an effective assessment tool that can easily adapted to any training need.
The simulator enables a real time 3D reconstruction of the cardiac anatomy in a variety of clinical scenarios. In every case there is a simultaneous anatomically accurate and interactive 3D heart, so trainees can relate the anatomic to the ultrasound imaging. This 3D heart model can be rotated and sliced in any direction and the intracardiac structures can be highlighted.
Training is obtained in a wide range of clinical cases, including normal heart and lungs, various disease states and key cardiac devices. Coronary artery disease, valvular cardiac diseases, cardiomyopathies, pericardial diseases, cardiac tamponade, congenital heart disease, acute aortic syndromes, prosthetic valves, cardiac devices, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, as well as a lot of clinical cases and scenarios that are included in the educational program of the simulation system. Testing platform allows tutors to create standardized or customized tests for students and is an effective assessment tool that can easily adapted to any training need.
CEST®
The Heartworks and Bodyworks Intelligent Ultrasound Simulator of CEST has the detail, accuracy, and feel of a real transthoracic and transesophageal echo examination. The probe has all the complete controls as found on real echo probes. The simulator creates highly realistic 2D and 3D echocardiography ultrasound images and additionally the simultaneous corresponding 3D virtual anatomic model. It demonstrates in real time both normal and pathological blood flow characteristics, allowing the application of realistic PW Doppler, CW Doppler, and Color Doppler imaging analysis.
Following familiarization with the normal anatomy, function and echo study, the trainee is presented with a full series of common pathological states and clinical scenarios. The attendee is guided through each comprehensive exam, ultimately making the correct diagnosis and grading the severity of various diseases using quantitative echo criteria.
The Simulator measurement software allows the attendee to practice the entire spectrum of 2D, spectral Doppler, and Color Doppler measurements in both normal and a wide range of pathological clinical states.
The Simulator has the latest 2024 updates including the 3D software and four (4) different cases of transcatheter TAVI implantation.
CEST schedules attendees 365 days a year. We understand that your professional activities can make it difficult to schedule your training. We make every attempt to find a time and date conductive to your clinical responsibilities.
Following familiarization with the normal anatomy, function and echo study, the trainee is presented with a full series of common pathological states and clinical scenarios. The attendee is guided through each comprehensive exam, ultimately making the correct diagnosis and grading the severity of various diseases using quantitative echo criteria.
The Simulator measurement software allows the attendee to practice the entire spectrum of 2D, spectral Doppler, and Color Doppler measurements in both normal and a wide range of pathological clinical states.
The Simulator has the latest 2024 updates including the 3D software and four (4) different cases of transcatheter TAVI implantation.
CEST schedules attendees 365 days a year. We understand that your professional activities can make it difficult to schedule your training. We make every attempt to find a time and date conductive to your clinical responsibilities.
DIRECTOR
Instructor in CEST. Dr Thanos Tsoukas, MD, PhD, FESC is the Creator and Director of CEST (Center Echocardiography Simulation Training) in Athens, Greece in 2021. He attended Medical School and completed his internship and residency in Cardiology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Dr. Tsoukas completed his post - graduated studies in Transthoracic, Transesophageal and Stress Echo at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK.
He has been Director in the Dpt of Cardiology, Head of "Echo Lab and Center for Training in Advanced Echo Techniques", Head of CEST in Asclepeion Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece (1995-2023) and now in Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada, Athens, Greece (2023 to present).
Dr Tsoukas is an active member of Hellenic Society of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology, European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and SESAM (Simulation for Healthcare in Europe).
Dr Tsoukas is certified from Intelligent Ultrasound, the leader Company in Simulators, as an Expert User and Trainer in the Heartworks TEE/TTE Simulator Echo System on May 2022.
Dr Tsoukas organised many Simulation Training Courses and Seminars on TTE, TTE, Ultrasound in Emergencies, Ultrasound in ICU, Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathies, Ischemic Heart Disease, Pericardial Diseases, Heart Failure, Cardiac Valve Diseases. He participated in many Congresses and Seminars with lectures and Hands - On Simulation Workshops as main instructor.
LinkedIn: Thanos Tsoukas
Dr. Tsoukas completed his post - graduated studies in Transthoracic, Transesophageal and Stress Echo at Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK.
He has been Director in the Dpt of Cardiology, Head of "Echo Lab and Center for Training in Advanced Echo Techniques", Head of CEST in Asclepeion Hospital, Voula, Athens, Greece (1995-2023) and now in Mediterraneo Hospital, Glyfada, Athens, Greece (2023 to present).
Dr Tsoukas is an active member of Hellenic Society of Cardiology, European Society of Cardiology, European Association for Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) and SESAM (Simulation for Healthcare in Europe).
Dr Tsoukas is certified from Intelligent Ultrasound, the leader Company in Simulators, as an Expert User and Trainer in the Heartworks TEE/TTE Simulator Echo System on May 2022.
Dr Tsoukas organised many Simulation Training Courses and Seminars on TTE, TTE, Ultrasound in Emergencies, Ultrasound in ICU, Congenital Heart Disease, Cardiomyopathies, Ischemic Heart Disease, Pericardial Diseases, Heart Failure, Cardiac Valve Diseases. He participated in many Congresses and Seminars with lectures and Hands - On Simulation Workshops as main instructor.
LinkedIn: Thanos Tsoukas
CEST Team
Spyros Dragomanovits, MD
Instructor
Director, Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Imaging Specialist. Cardiologist in Mediterraneo Hospital (2007 to present). Qualified in TTE, TEE, Stress Echo, Τranoperative Echo (valve repair, acute aortic syndromes, ablation, transcatheter TAVI, MV clip, PFO and ASD closure) and Advanced Echo Techniques (Speckle Tracking, 3D/4D Echo). Certified in Echo Simulation, Heartworks and Bodyworks of Intelligence Ultrasound Co. Member of HCS, ESC, EACVI, SESAM.
Lilika Pappa, MD
Instructor
Deputy Director Department of Cardiology, Cardiac Imaging Specialist. Cardiologist in Mediterraneo Hospital (2004 to present). Qualified in TTE, TEE, Stress Echo, Τranoperative Echo (valve repair, acute aortic syndromes, ablation, transcatheter TAVI, MV clip, PFO and ASD closure) and Advanced Echo Techniques (Speckle Tracking, 3D/4D Echo). Certified in Echo Simulation, Heartworks and Bodyworks of Intelligence Ultrasound Co. Member of HCS, ESC, EACVI, SESAM.
Seminars
TEE Full Training (5 trainees)
Hands On TEE Simulation Training. Normal cardiac anatomy and function, TEE orientation, TEE Protocol with standard views, normal study, measurements, calculations, hemodynamic information from TEE echo, all the spectrum of heart diseases (complete Heartworks package with all 2024 updated software). Every course is designed for a small group of 5 participants in 2 days in a weekend (5h on Saturday and 5h on Sunday), with adequate hands - on training time for everyone. Participation fee at 300 € per person. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
TTE Full Training (5 trainees)
Hands On TTE Simulation Training Normal cardiac anatomy and function, TTE orientation, TTE Protocol with standard views, normal study, measurements, calculations, hemodynamic information from TTE echo, all the spectrum of heart diseases (complete Heartworks package with all 2024 updated software). Every course is designed for a small group of 5 participants in 2 days in a weekend (5h on Saturday and 5h on Sunday), with adequate hands - on training time for everyone. Participation fee at 300 € per person. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
Two Week Internship in Echocardiography
Echo Lab has official accrediation from the European Society of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) at Advanced Level. We offer a two week internship in our 3 Echo Labs in Transthorasic, Transesophageal, Stress Echocardiography and Advanced Imaging Techniques (3D, 4D, AI, Speckle Tracking). We provide additional training on Transoperative and Transcatheter Echo in the Operation Theater and Cath Lab respectively. An intensive 10h session in TTE and TTE Simulation Training at CEST is included. Available positions are limited to one person per time in order of priority. Participation fee at 1500 €. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
One On One Training
Exclusive attendance to an indivintual participant allows a unique experience and training in a accelerated manner. Private mentoring permits continuous instructor-trainee interaction. It offers to the participant a rapid advance in knowledge and skills in TTE, TEE or both TTE/TEE. The course is designed for 2 days in a weekend (5h on Saturday and 5h on Sunday). Trainee can join our Echo Lab for up to one week (without extra fee) with additional training on Advanced Techniques (Stress, 3D, 4D, AI, Speckle Tracking, Transoperative Echo). Participation fee at 1500 €. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
Simulation Training with Two (2) Participants
Exclusive attendance to two participants allows a unique experience and training in a accelerated manner. Private mentoring permits continuous instructor-trainee interaction. The hands-on probe manipulation time offers to the participants a rapid advance in knowledge and skills in TTE, TEE or both TTE and TEE. The course is designed for 2 days in a weekend (5h on Saturday and 5h on Sunday). Trainees can join our Echo Lab for up to one week (without extra fee), and actively participate in all activities with additional training on Advanced Techniques (Stress, 3D/4D, Speckle Tracking, Transoperative Echo). Participation fee at 750 € per person. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
Echo in Emergency Department, ICU and CCU
All clinical scenarios in Emergency Department and ICU (acute heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, complications of myocardial infarction, dissection of aorta, aortic aneurysms, pericardial disease, cardiac tamponade, pulmonary embolism, cardiogenic shock, pneumothorax, prosthetic valves, acute valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, abdominal aorta aneurysms, pleural effusion, lung scan). Every course is designed for a small group of 10 participants with 3 hours in one day and adequate hands - on training time on Simulator for everyone. Participation fee at 50 € per person. CEST Seminars are approved by The National Organization for Medicines (EOΦ) and individual cost can be covered from Institutes or Companies.
Last Review
"In last two weeks of June 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in CEST that takes place at Mediterraneo Hospital, in Athens, Greece. A huge thank you to Dr Thanos Tsoukas for his guidance during all of this training and his valuable explanations. He never gets tired of repeating and teaching the very basics and the advance technics of TEE and TTE. I would also like to thank Dr Lilika Pappa and Dr Spiros Dragomanovits for making me part of every real TEE and Stress Echo that was performed in the hospital during my stay. The best part was performing TEE during cardiac surgeries. I was very lucky to be part of a mitral clip procedure and TAVI, followed-up by TEE. I would highly recommend this training for every Doctor, Cardiologist, Internist who is interested in learning more about cardiac echocardiography. The simulator feels like a real patient, it helps with the probe manipulation and has all kind of pathologies. Being alone during my training was perfect (One On One Simulation TTE and TEE Training). It gave me the time to familiarise and repeat every day both TEE and TTE, so I was able to learn faster. Thank you all very much for making me feel like I was part of your team".
Dr Julinda Koçi
Internal Medicine and Cardiology
Dpt of Vasular Surgery, Mother Teresa Hospital, University of Tirana, Albania
Dr Julinda Koçi
Internal Medicine and Cardiology
Dpt of Vasular Surgery, Mother Teresa Hospital, University of Tirana, Albania
Gallery
attendees
Katerina Siama
Cardiology Echocardiography
Consultant Cardiologist, Echo Lab, Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece. CEST offers hands-on training in Echocardiography in a high fidelity simulation system. It is ideal for trainees in cardiology because they build their skillset step by step first by familiarizing themselves with normal anatomy and echo findings and then by gradually progressing to various clinical pathologies of increasing difficulty.
Eirini Polymenopoulou
Anesthesiologist ICU
Consultant Anesthesiologist in ICU, Asclepeion Hospital, Athens, Greece. In depth hands on state-of-the-art TEE training simulation course and seminars on ICU and Emergencies clinical scenarios. I highly recommend the CEST experience to anyone who wants to learn anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology of the cardiovascular system and echocardiography. Don't miss this opportunity.
Konstantinos Bitos
Cardiology Resident
Specialist in General Internal Medicine, University Heart Center, Zyrich, Switzerland. Simulation-based TEE training emerges as a key educational tool to improve accesibility of learning and accelerate the learning curve. Simulation shows significant benefits in improving TEE skills among Cardiology fellows. The option of TEE Hands-On training is an excellent experience.
Milica Vukicevic
Internal Medicine Cardiology
Cardiologist, Cardiac Surgery Clinic, University Clinical Center of Serbia. Dr Tsoukas is an excellent mentor, highly skilled on Echocardiography, who allows the trainees to aquire probe manipulation and image interpretation skills in a comprehensive and accelerated manner. I highly recommend the CEST if you want to have an in-depth update and improve rapidly your knowledge in Echocardiography.
Gely Samara
Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology
Faculty of Medicine University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece. TEE is a very powerful intraoperative monitoring tool in Cardio-Surgery. Nowdays TEE is performed by the same Anesthesiologist who is providing anesthesia. I am very grateful to the instructors of CEST for their assistance and contribution to understand better and learn in depth the detailed TEE protocol in a wide range of heart diseases. Don't miss it!
Andriana Anagnostopoulou
Pediatric Cardiologist
Consultant, Aghia Sophia Children Hospital, Athens, Greece. I had the honor to participate in "TEE Hand-On Simulation Training Course" as well as the Seminars ¨Ultrasound in Emergencies" and "Echo in ICU" at CEST. Simulation-based teaching in TTE and TEE Echocardiography had a significant improvement in my Knowledge, skills and confidence. I plan to join the next educational echo courses at CEST.
Nicoletta Orphanou
Senior Clinical Fellow Cardiology
Consultant Cardiologist, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, UK. Dr Tsoukas and the team of CEST are expert instructors on teaching TTE and TEE to physicians from A to Z. The participants can rapidly advance their knowledge to match their particular clinical demands. Additionally the seminars "Ultrasound in Emergencies and ICU" can drastically improve their skills in a wide range of emergency clinical conditions.
Alexandros Mourselas
Student School of Medicine
European University Cyprus School of Medicine. Simulation-based teaching shows significant benefits over conventional methods based on lectures. The details of 3D anatomical heart model side by side with the respective echo views, allows to a beginner trainee a step by step method to learn cardiac anatomy, physiology and pathophsiology. A great experience at CEST.
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Contact
- Athens, Attica, Greece