Congenital cardiac surgical simulation: bridging global workforce gaps and optimizing outcomes

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Pediatric Cardiology

Background:

• Congenital heart surgery (CHS) requires extensive training.
• Intraoperative environments are unsuitable for technical skill practice due to patient safety and complexity.
• A global deficit in cardiac surgical expertise impacts pediatric heart disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility of surgical simulation, particularly 3D models, in congenital heart surgery (CHS) education.
• To propose innovative, low-cost training solutions for CHS in resource-limited settings.

Main Methods:

• Review of current surgical simulation techniques in CHS.
• Focus on the application of three-dimensional (3D) models for high-fidelity simulation.
• Discussion of hybrid teaching approaches combining simulation with expert guidance.

Main Results:

• Surgical simulation, especially with 3D models, enhances technical training and assessment in CHS.
• 3D models provide high-fidelity visualization of complex congenital heart defects.
• Hands-on training programs with 3D models and hybrid teaching are effective educational tools.

Conclusions:

• 3D models represent a valuable and accessible tool for CHS training.
• Innovative simulation strategies can help bridge the gap in surgical expertise for pediatric heart disease.
• Expanding simulation-based training is crucial for improving CHS competency worldwide.