Recommendations for the use of coronary and valve simulators in cardiac surgical training: a systematic review. (2nd August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whittaker, George; Salmasi, M Yousuf; Aydin, Abdullatif; Magouliotis, Dimitris; Raja, Shahzad G; Asimakopoulos, George; Moorjani, Narain; Athanasiou, Thanos
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery. Volume 61:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 10
• Publication Date: 2021-08-02
• Subjects: Simulation -- Simulators -- Training -- CABG -- Coronary -- Valve; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezab350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-7940

Abstract

Abstract: : 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. Abstract : The challenge of the learning curve in cardiothoracic surgery is a well-recognized phenomenon: junior trainees are at a steep gradient and only once proficiency is surpassed would a plateau phase be usually observed [1].