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.