AIMS Education Enhances CVIS Training with Mentice VIST Virtual Cath Lab Simulator
December 17, 2025
AIMS Introduces Mentice VIST Simulator to CVIS Program
AIMS Education is proud to announce the addition of the Mentice VIST (Virtual Cath Lab) simulator to its Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (CVIS) program, marking a significant advancement in hands-on clinical training for students preparing to enter the cardiac catheterization lab.
The Mentice VIST is a state-of-the-art virtual reality simulator designed to help students safely learn and practice catheter-based cardiovascular procedures before working with real patients. This innovative technology allows CVIS students to gain valuable experience in a realistic, controlled environment, building confidence, technical skill, and clinical readiness.
According to Dr. Ibrahim Chalabi, CVIS Program Director, the simulator provides an exceptional level of realism that closely mirrors real Cath Lab procedures.
“The Mentice VIST offers safe, realistic, hands-on practice that prepares students for real Cath Lab clinical training,” said Dr. Chalabi. “The haptic realism is remarkable. Wires, catheters, balloons, and stents feel almost exactly as they do in an actual Cath Lab. Students can feel resistance, tension, turns, blockages, and catheter movement just like they would in a real patient.”
One of the most powerful features of the Mentice VIST is its ability to use real clinical devices, including catheters, guidewires, and tools. This allows students to train with the same equipment they will encounter in professional practice. The simulator also offers a wide range of interactive training modules, including:
- Coronary angiography procedures
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures
- Patient hemodynamic assessments
- Peripheral vascular procedures
Students are able to visualize catheter movement and vessel anatomy on an external monitor, simulating the experience of performing a real case without radiation exposure or patient risk. This immersive learning environment allows students to repeat procedures, refine technique, and learn from mistakes in a safe and supportive setting.
The addition of the Mentice VIST aligns with AIMS Education’s ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge technology, experiential learning, and industry-aligned training across its healthcare programs. By integrating advanced simulation into the CVIS curriculum, AIMS continues to ensure graduates are well prepared for clinical rotations and successful careers in cardiovascular healthcare.
A video demonstrating the Mentice VIST simulator in use by the CVIS class is provided below.
