Educational Impact of a Pulsatile Human Cadaver Circulation Model for Endovascular Training

The face and construct validity of a novel pulsatile human cadaver model (PHCM) was recently demonstrated for endovascular training. This study aimed to assess the model's educational impact.

Twenty-four endovascular novices were recruited and split into two equal training groups: PHCM and virtual reality simulator (VRS). Each candidate performed eight consecutive training attempts of endovascular renal artery catheterisation on their designated model, and a final crossover attempt on the alternate model. Performances were video recorded and scored using a validated scoring tool by two independent endovascular experts, blinded to the candidate's identity and attempt number. Each participant was given a task specific checklist score (TSC), global rating score (GRS), and overall procedure score (OPS).

In the PHCM group average OPS improved gradually from 19.42 (TSC 8.58, GRS 10.83) to 39.50 (TSC 15.00, GRS 24.5) over eight attempts (p < .0005). In the VRS group OPS improved from 20.54 (TSC 10.29, GRS 10.25) to 36.04 (TSC 14.21, GRS 21.88) between the first and eighth attempts (p < .0005), with limited improvement after the second attempt. PHCM training significantly improved OPS on their VRS crossover attempt (p ≤ .0001), achieving a similar OPS to candidates who had completed VRS training (p = .398). VRS training significantly improved OPS on PHCM (p < 0.05); however, OPS was significantly worse than candidates who had completed PHCM training (p ≤ .001).

PHCM training has a longer learning curve, with gradual improvement, reflecting the enhanced difficulty of a more realistic model. These results support the use of PHCM preceded by VRS training, prior to performing endovascular surgery on patients.