Teaching video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy-using an ex vivo simulation model

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Surgical Simulation
• Medical Education

Background:

• Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) is increasingly the standard for lung resections.
• Thoracic surgical trainees and experienced surgeons need to master VATS.
• Current realistic simulators are often inaccessible or expensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-cost, high-fidelity simulation model for VATS training.
• To provide an accessible training tool for thoracic surgical skills.

Main Methods:

• Utilized porcine heart-lung blocks as the basis for the simulation model.
• Focused on creating a realistic and inexpensive simulation solution.

Main Results:

• Successfully developed a low-cost, high-fidelity simulation model.
• The model provides a viable option for practicing VATS procedures.

Conclusions:

• Porcine heart-lung blocks offer a practical and affordable method for VATS simulation.
• This approach can enhance surgical training and skill acquisition in thoracic surgery.