Assessment of a Novel, Adjustable Task Trainer for Cardiac Surgical Skills

INTRODUCTION

A recent needs assessment in Canadian cardiac surgery programs identified the desire for a coronary artery bypass (CABG) and aortic valve replacement (AVR) simulation model for home practice. We aimed to develop and assess a portable, adjustable task trainer for cardiac surgical skills with high functional task alignment.

METHODS

Intraoperative measurements were taken from patients undergoing elective CABG and AVR (N = 30). Measurements were taken in 3 axes and used to create a chest cavity that resembles the mediastinal constraints of a patient undergoing CABG and AVR. The task trainer is adjustable on the following 3 levels: (1) size of the incision, (2) depth of the chest, and (3) relative position of coronary artery or aortic valve model within the chest. Three groups (novices, intermediates, and experts) of cardiac surgery members evaluated the task trainer for functional task alignment and construct validity.

RESULTS

The CABG and AVR model had high functional task alignment. There was a high satisfaction for both models and all participants would recommend the AVR and CABG model as an educational tool. Performance time significantly differed between the groups for both models (CABG: P = 0.032 and AVR: P = 0.001), as well as number of errors (CABG: P = 0.04 and AVR: P = 0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

Using real patient data, we were able to develop an adjustable task trainer for training principles of CABG and AVR. Our pilot study provides preliminary sources of evidence for validity and future study will look to assess transferability of skill to the operating room.

Novel, intermediate-fidelity simulator for aortic arch surgery for the cardiothoracic surgical trainee

BACKGROUND

Training cardiothoracic surgeons in open aortic surgery is challenging due to limited operator experience, low patient volume and technically demanding skills to be performed within a deep thoracic cavity. Surgical simulation has become a cornerstone of cardiothoracic surgical training and has been shown to improve skill acquisition and performance in the operating theatre. Due to the complexity of aortic surgery, there is a paucity of simulators that are concomitantly accessible and of sufficient fidelity. The purpose of this study was to develop a reproducible, intermediate-fidelity simulator for aortic surgery.

METHOD

This novel simulator was constructed from plastic storage containers to simulate the depth of a thoracic cavity. Head vessels and distal arch were reconstructed within the stimulator with synthetic Dacron polyester grafts to maximize model fidelity. A porcine or bovine heart was used for the simulation of aortic root replacement and anastomosis to the distal arch graft.

RESULTS

The simulator was reproduced in a wet-lab skills session at an annual Australian cardiothoracic trainee meeting. Qualitative feedback was obtained from the current cardiothoracic trainees. It is a feasible model for the practice of aortic surgery.

CONCLUSION

As the surgical education paradigm shifts towards simulation, this easily reproducible, intermediate-fidelity model provides an effective avenue to equip the trainee for the operating room and is a method of surgical training that can be considered by colleges.

Aortic Valve Repair: A Portable, Low-Cost Simulator

Simulation is a key adjunct to surgical training by allowing repetitive and deliberate practice. We created a low-cost, portable aortic valve simulator that can easily be re-created by any trainee. This simulator allows practice of the challenging hand movements and needle angles required in aortic valve repair and may facilitate acquisition of operating room skills and autonomy.

Recommendations for the use of coronary and valve simulators in cardiac surgical training: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to systematically review the simulators that are currently available for coronary artery bypass graft and valve surgery and, in addition, to review the validation evidence supporting them and to recommend several simulators for training based on the analysis of results.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE® (1946 to May 2021) and EMBASE® (1947 to May 2021) databases was performed to identify simulators for coronary artery and valvular procedures in cardiothoracic surgery. A selection of keywords and MeSH terms was used to execute the literature search. After identification of relevant articles, data were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven simulators were found in 31 articles. Simulators were found for coronary artery bypass graft (n = 24) and valve surgery (n = 13). The majority of models were either benchtop (n = 28) or hybrid (n = 8) modalities. Evidence of validity was demonstrated in 15 (40.5%) simulators. Twenty-two (59.5%) simulators had no validation evidence, and 1 (2.7%) simulator had 3 or more elements of validity established.

CONCLUSIONS

Two simulators were recommended for supplemental training in cardiothoracic surgery. Low-fidelity models can provide a broad foundation for surgical skills' development whereas high-fidelity simulators can be used for immersive training scenarios and appraisals. These should be utilized in early training, at which point the learning curve of trainees is steepest.

Simulation-based surgical education in cardiothoracic training

Simulation has emerged as a feasible adjunct to surgical education and training for most specialties. It provides trainees with an immersive, realistic way to learn a variety of skills in a safe environment with the end goal of improving patient safety. There are three broad types of simulators: full mannequin simulators, part-task trainers or bench models and virtual reality systems. This review aims to describe the current use of simulation in cardiothoracic surgical education and training. We identified multiple procedures that can be simulated in cardiothoracic surgery using a combination of the above simulators, three-dimensional printing and computer-based simulation. All studies that assessed the efficacy of simulators showed that simulation enhances learning and trainee performance allowing for repetitive training until the acquisition of competence but further research into how it translates into the operating theatre is required. In Australia, cardiac surgery simulation is not yet part of the training curricula, but simulators are available for certain tasks and procedures.

A low-cost bioprosthetic semilunar valve for research, disease modelling and surgical training applications

OBJECTIVES

This paper provides detailed instructions for constructing low-cost bioprosthetic semilunar valves for animal research and clinical training. This work fills an important gap between existing simulator training valves and clinical valves by providing fully functioning designs that can be employed in ex vivo and in vivo experiments and can also be modified to model valvular disease.

METHODS

Valves are constructed in 4 steps consisting of creating a metal frame, covering it with fabric and attaching a suture ring and leaflets. Computer-aided design files are provided for making the frame from wire or by metal 3D printing. The covering fabric and suturing ring are made from materials readily available in a surgical lab, while the leaflets are made from pericardium. The entire fabrication process is described in figures and in a video. To demonstrate disease modelling, design modifications are described for producing paravalvular leaks, and these valves were evaluated in porcine ex vivo (n = 3) and in vivo (n = 6) experiments.

RESULTS

Porcine ex vivo and acute in vivo experiments demonstrate that the valves can replicate the performance of clinical valves for research and training purposes. Surgical implantation is similar, and echocardiograms are comparable to clinical valves. Furthermore, valve leaflet function was satisfactory during acute in vivo tests with little central regurgitation, while the paravalvular leak modifications consistently produced leaks in the desired locations.

CONCLUSIONS

The detailed design procedure presented here, which includes a tutorial video and computer-aided design files, should be of substantial benefit to researchers developing valve disease models and to clinicians developing realistic valve training systems.

Intermediate-fidelity simulator for self-training in mitral valve surgery

Current training in mitral valve (MV) surgery is affected by many factors, among which are the complexity of surgical procedures and complex three-dimensional anatomy of the MV. An MV repair simulator is proposed in this study as a low-cost, reusable and portable tool to guide trainees at all levels to effectively construct it with the aim of improving their surgical skills in major techniques of MV surgery in an intermediate-fidelity concept. The simulator is a self-made portable box that is supplied with a self-made silicone MV substitute to simulate the flexible property of MV components. The building process is detailed in this study. Surgical procedures were simulated to test the surgical handling.

Low-fidelity simulator for technical connection to the cardiopulmonary bypass

The technical simulator proposed in this study is a low-cost, reusable, reproducible and portable tool to guide trainees at all levels in order to improve their surgical skills in connection with the cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit. The simulator is a self-made portable box that can be used for an unrestricted number of procedures. It is supplied with self-made anatomical replicas that have been tested to simulate the flexible property of the real anatomy. The building process is detailed in this study.

The MAVID heart holder: a demonstration device to anchor cadaver hearts for surgical simulation and practical education

Performing open heart surgery involves learning challenging techniques and a need for realistic training models to achieve and maintain a high level of surgical skills. The MAVID heart holder is an organ holder primarily designed to hold the heart in its anatomic position for the purpose of surgical simulation and education, thereby closing the gap between surgical performance in the laboratory and in the operating room. The device is simple to use, can be adjusted to organ size, and has the necessary instrumentation to be used with any solid organ. The MAVID heart holder also provides a platform for presentation and assists in advancing the research sphere. The advantage over other existing models is that the MAVID heart holder uses real tissue and does not distort the organ at the attachment sites. Further, it offers superior stability as well as the ability to manipulate the organ during presentation and dissection. Training with the MAVID heart holder has the potential to shorten training time to acquire surgical skills and proficiency before performing these techniques in the operating room and in so doing enhance patient safety.

Low-Fidelity Simulation of Mitral Valve Surgery: Simple and Effective Trainer

OBJECTIVES

Training in mitral valve (MV) surgery is difficult because of its complex 3-dimentional anatomy and sophisticated surgical techniques. The goal of this study was to create an effective and simple simulator to enable the trainee in performing MV repair and replacement techniques in a low-fidelity environment.

METHODS

The MV surgery simulator is a self-shaped sponge integrated into a portable box that can be used for an unrestricted number of procedures. The building process is detailed in this study. MV procedures were performed in which the surgical handling was tested. The total cost was calculated in euros.

RESULTS

The building of the MV simulator resulted in the development of a new low-cost tool for training in MV surgery. The usage of the sponge led to building the MV components with flexible properties and allowing the surgical procedures to be performed in unrestricted numbers. This involved MV replacement in both intra- and supra-annular fashion and MV repair according to the Carpentier classification.

CONCLUSION

Surgical skills in mitral surgery could be improved by usage of the low-fidelity simulator. The high cost of the training for residents and junior surgeons could be effectively reduced by using this low-cost, portable, reusable simulator and its accessories (ring and band).

Comprehensive Middle-Fidelity Simulator for Training in Aortic Root Surgery

OBJECTIVES

The current training in aortic root surgery is affected by several factors: complexity of surgical procedures and the complex 3-dimensional anatomy of the aortic root. The aortic root simulator proposed in this study is an additional low-cost, reusable, and portable tool to improve surgical skills in a middle-fidelity model.

METHODS

The aortic root surgery simulator is a self-made portable box that can be used for an unrestricted number of procedures. It is supplied with a self-made aortic root substitute, which was tested to simulate the flexible property of the aortic root components. The building process is detailed in this study. Aortic root procedures were performed by use of this simulator, in which surgical handling was tested. The total cost was calculated in euros.

RESULTS

Building the aortic root simulator resulted in the development of a new training tool for aortic root surgery. The use of silicone led to the construction of the aortic root components with similar diameters and properties as those of a real aortic root, which permitted performing the surgical procedures in unrestricted numbers. This involved the aortic valve including all types of aortic valve replacements such as interrupted and semicontinuous, and all types of aortic root procedures like enlargement, remodeling, reimplantation, and replacement. Moreover, the silicone allowed modeling of various pathological replicas of the aortic valve, which resulted in facilitating the practice of aortic valve repair techniques according to El Khoury׳s classification. The cost was approximately €1.

CONCLUSION

Surgical skills in aortic root surgery could be improved by using a middle-fidelity simulator. The high cost of the training for residents and junior surgeons could be reduced effectively through the use of this low-cost, portable, reusable simulator and its accessories (aorta and valves). Familiarity with performing the surgical procedures could reduce the time consumed in the operation room.