Abstract: Objective To assess the impact of simulation-based Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) training versus traditional lecture-based training on basic TTE skills in anesthesiology residents; Methods In this prospective randomized study, 42 anesthesiology residents (in anesthesia clinical training years 1 to 3)were randomized to either control (n = 21) or simulation groups (n = 21) for TTE training. A standardized pretest was administered before TTE training sessions of 40 minutes each. The training session used a lecture-based video didactic in the control group or a TTE simulator in the simulation group. Comprehension in both groups was then assessed using a written post test and by performing a TTE examination on a volunteer subject. TTE examinations were graded on the ability to acquire the correct image, image quality, anatomy identification, and time required to attain proper imaging ; Results Pretest scores revealed similar knowledge among residents . The simulation group scored higher on all criteria after the training session: written post test (43.3%±10.8% VS 52.6%±17.6%，P<0.05), volunteer subject post test image quality scores (0 to 25 scale) (7.7±5.1 VS 17.1±4.8，P<0.001), anatomy identification scores (0 to 25 scale) (11.0±7.3 VS 18.2±6.3；P=0.001); Conclusion This prospective randomized study demonstrated that anesthesiology residents trained with simulation acquired better skills in TTE image acquisition and anatomy identification on volunteer subjects.

Key words: Simulation, Transthoracic Echocardiography, Anesthesiology