Training with simulation improves residents' endovascular procedure skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Simulation
• Surgical Education
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Endovascular procedure simulators are increasingly available for physician training.
• Simulation-based training is being integrated into medical education.
• The role of simulation in vascular surgery residencies requires evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of simulation-based training in vascular surgery residencies.
• To evaluate improvements in endovascular skills and knowledge acquisition.
• To determine the impact of simulation on procedural performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• Vascular surgery residents participated in a 2-day endovascular training program.
• Training incorporated a high-fidelity simulator, didactic instruction, and case demonstrations.
• Performance on a standardized iliac angioplasty/stenting case was assessed pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in procedural skills on the standardized case.
• Total procedure time decreased by 54%, contrast volume by 44%, and fluoroscopy time by 48%.
• Faculty identified knowledge and skill gaps, while residents supported simulation's utility.

Conclusions:

• Simulator training provides a safe environment for practicing endovascular procedures.
• Simulation leads to measurable improvements in key performance metrics.
• Further research is needed to establish the impact of simulation on clinical performance.