Skill acquisition process in vascular anastomosis procedures: a simulation-based study.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Simulation
• Medical Education
• Cardiovascular Surgery

Background:

• Simulation models are increasingly recognized for their potential to enhance surgical technical skills.
• Vascular anastomosis is a critical procedure in cardiovascular surgery requiring precise technical execution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel tissue-based simulation model for vascular anastomosis in improving surgical skill acquisition.
• To assess skill development across different experience levels of surgical trainees and practitioners.

Main Methods:

• A bovine heart simulation model was used for vascular anastomosis practice over three months.
• Participants included junior residents, senior residents, and surgeons from various departments.
• Anastomoses were assessed on procedure duration, leakage, suture requirements, graft-arteriotomy match, patency, and posterior wall injuries.

Main Results:

• All groups showed significant improvements in anastomosis time, suture requirements, leakage, graft-arteriotomy match, posterior wall injuries, and patency over the study period.
• Statistically significant decreases in procedure time and additional suture needs were observed across all groups (P < 0.0001).
• Notable improvements in leakage, graft-arteriotomy match, posterior wall injury, and patency were recorded, with some exceptions in the senior resident group.

Conclusions:

• The tissue-based simulation model facilitated skill acquisition in vascular anastomosis for all participating groups.
• The findings suggest that this simulation approach is a valuable tool for surgical training and improving technical proficiency in vascular anastomosis.