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Published on: March 18, 2020
An inexpensive, reproducible tissue simulator for teaching thoracoscopic lobectomy
Shari L Meyerson1, Frank LoCascio, Stafford Scott Balderson
1Department of Surgery, Section of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA. smeyerson@surgery.arizona.edu
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|January 28, 2010
Summary
A novel, low-cost simulator using porcine heart and lungs offers a reproducible method for training thoracoscopic lobectomy skills. This benchtop model effectively mimics surgical challenges without expensive equipment.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Education
- Medical Simulation
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Simulation is crucial for surgical training, including advanced procedures like thoracoscopic lobectomy.
- Existing simulators for thoracoscopic lobectomy are often expensive and require specialized facilities.
- There is a need for accessible, cost-effective training models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, low-cost, and easily reproducible benchtop simulator for thoracoscopic lobectomy training.
- To address the limitations of current expensive and facility-dependent simulation models.
Main Methods:
- Utilized porcine heart and bilateral lung tissue blocks with intact pericardium.
- Statically distended pulmonary arteries and veins with ketchup to simulate dissection and identify errors.
- Developed a benchtop model for thoracoscopic lobectomy simulation.
Main Results:
- The simulator has been implemented in seven training programs, with over 100 participants.
- Qualitative feedback was gathered from faculty and participants regarding the model's performance.
- The model demonstrated effectiveness in simulating the clinical experience.
Conclusions:
- A low-cost porcine heart-lung block simulator, perfused with ketchup, is an effective training tool.
- This model provides an inexpensive and reproducible method for teaching thoracoscopic lobectomy.
- The simulator accurately replicates aspects of the clinical thoracoscopic lobectomy experience.
