Evaluating the Construct Validity of a Pulsatile Fresh Frozen Human Cadaver Circulation Model for Endovascular...

We recently described a pulsatile fresh frozen human cadaver model (PHCM) for training endovascular practitioners. This present study aims to assess the construct validity of PHCM; its ability to differentiate between participants of varying expertise.

Twenty-three participants with varying endovascular experience (12 novice, 4 intermediate, and 7 expert) were recruited. Each attempted catheterization of the left renal artery on PHCM within 10 min under exam conditions. Performances were video recorded and scored using a validated scoring tool by 2 independent endovascular experts, blinded to performer status. Each participant was given a task-specific checklist score (TSC), global rating score (GRS), and overall procedure score (OPS). Finally, examiners were asked whether they would be happy to supervise the participant in theater, with each participant graded as "fail", "borderline," or "pass".

All expert and intermediate participants completed the index procedure within the allotted 10 min; however, only one of the 12 novice participants achieved this (P < 0.0005). Endovascular novices had significantly lower TSC, GRS, and OPS than both intermediate participants and endovascular experts. There were no significant differences in TSC, GRS, or OPS between intermediate participants and endovascular experts. When participants were graded as "fail", "borderline," or "pass," there were significant differences between groups (P = 0.001). All of the intermediate and expert participants received a pass. Out of the 12 novice participants, 2 received a pass, 6 received a borderline, and 4 were failed.

The PHCM demonstrates construct validity. Further work is required to determine its educational impact in endovascular training.