Surgical skill simulation training to proficiency reduces procedural errors among novice cardiac device implanters: a randomized study.

AIMS: In cardiac device implantation, having both surgical skills and ability to manipulate catheter/lead/wire is crucial. Few cardiologists, however, receive formal surgical training prior to implanting. Skills are mostly acquired directly on-the-job and surgical technique varies across institutions; suboptimal approaches may increase complications. We investigated how novel proficiency-based progression (PBP) simulation training impacts the surgical quality of implantations, compared to traditional simulation (SIM) training. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this international prospective study, novice implanters were randomized (blinded) 1:1 to participate in a simulation-based procedure training curriculum, with proficiency demonstration requirements for advancing (PBP approach) or without (SIM). Ultimately, trainees performed the surgical tasks of an implant on a porcine tissue that was video-recorded and then scored by two independent assessors (blinded to group), using previously validated performance metrics. Primary outcomes were the number of procedural Steps Completed, Critical Errors, Errors (non-critical), and All Errors Combined. Thirty novice implanters from 10 countries participated. Baseline experiences were similar between groups. Compared to SIM-trained, the PBP-trained group completed on average 11% more procedural Steps (P < 0.001) and made 61.2% fewer Critical Errors (P < 0.001), 57.1% fewer Errors (P = 0.140), and 60.7% fewer All Errors Combined (P = 0.001); 11/15 (73%) PBP trainees demonstrated the predefined target performance level vs. 3/15 SIM trainees (20%) in the video-recorded performance. CONCLUSION: Proficiency-based progression training produces superior objectively assessed novice operators' surgical performance in device implantation compared with traditional (simulation) training. Systematic PBP incorporation into formal academic surgical skills training is recommended before in vivo device practice. Future studies will quantify PBP training's effect on surgery-related device complications.

Competency based curriculum for cardiovascular magnetic resonance: A position statement of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance.

This position statement guides cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging program directors and learners on the key competencies required for Level II and III CMR practitioners, whether trainees come from a radiology or cardiology background. This document is built upon existing curricula and was created and vetted by an international panel of cardiologists and radiologists on behalf of the Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR).

Impact of Accredited Training Programs in Congenital Heart Surgery.

Historically, training in congenital heart surgery was variable and followed 1 of 3 pathways: residents identified during the primary training process were given the opportunity for a career training position within their own or other institution, residents would travel abroad for training and return to look for a faculty appointment based on their training experience, or a resident would enter a 1-year fellowship position after completing Thoracic Surgery training. These training opportunities and fellowships lacked uniformity and quality control. The purpose of an Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited residency program and an American Board of Thoracic Surgery subspecialty certificate in congenital heart surgery was to recognize and document a standard of education, operative experience, and cognitive knowledge for surgeons practicing in the field. There have been several important papers related to congenital cardiac training published over the years: (1) a manuscript by Kogon published in 2006 outlining congenital cardiac training prior to ACGME program accreditation, (2) a manuscript by Kogon et al published in 2016 outlining congenital cardiac training subsequent to ACGME accreditation with a focus on job transition and early work experience, and (3) a manuscript published in 2017 focusing primarily on job transition and early work experience. The purpose of this review is to provide an update with respect to congenital cardiac training. More importantly, in comparing survey results from these previous papers with the current survey, some interesting trends have been revealed, good and bad.

Objective measure of learning curves for trainees in cardiac surgery via cumulative sum failure analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Objective measures of cardiac surgery trainee progress are limited despite a push for competency-based assessments. We hypothesized that the cumulative sum failure technique could provide a risk-adjusted, quantitative measure of resident learning curves and competence. METHODS: Records of all coronary artery bypass grafting and valve operations performed by cardiac-track residents from 2007 to 2017 at a single institution were stratified by operative resident. Multivariable regression evaluated the association among resident, case number, and postoperative outcomes. To evaluate performance over time, risk-adjusted cumulative sum failure analysis was performed, taking into account institutional expected values and comparing residents with study-defined "early alert" and "concern" boundaries. RESULTS: A total of 3937 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality cases were evaluated from 19 residents. Observed-to-expected ratios for mortality and combined morbidity-mortality were 0.66 and 0.72, respectively, and each individual resident exhibited better than predicted outcomes (all observed:expected ratios <1). When evaluating cumulative sum failure learning curves, residents exhibited an initial slight increase in complications, followed by improvement and better than expected performance. The "early alert" boundary was crossed by 36.8% of residents at any point in training, with 94.7% of residents under this boundary at the end of training. The higher "concern" boundary was crossed by 2 residents (10.5%), although all residents ended their training below this boundary. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes for trainee-performed cardiac surgery procedures were excellent, with no association between individual trainees and adverse events. Cumulative sum failure analysis based on postoperative outcomes is a potential tool for objective evaluation of resident proficiency.

Audiovisual telesupport system for cardiovascular catheter interventions: A preliminary report on the clinical implications.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to validate the clinical implications of audiovisual telesupport system use. BACKGROUND: An audiovisual telesupport system with supervisors has been effective in guiding procedures when surgeons have limited experience with the technique. However, cardiovascular catheter interventions using an audiovisual telesupport system has not been previously reported. METHODS: Starting in September 2017, two cardiologists in Kamisu Saiseikai Hospital (Kamisu, Japan, with limited cardiologists) began performing cardiovascular catheter interventions using an audiovisual telesupport system. This system enabled them to perform catheter interventions with the support of advisors in the University of Tsukuba (Tsukuba, Japan). We retrospectively assessed procedure time and complications of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and catheter ablation (CA). RESULTS: In the first 10 months, 21 patients with coronary artery disease underwent PCI using this system. The mean procedure duration of PCI was 42 ± 10 min. Nine patients with tachyarrhythmia including supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), ventricular premature contraction (VPC), common atrial flutter, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent CA using this system. The mean CA procedure time was 134 ± 31 min for SVT, 100 ± 14 min for VPC, and 200 min for AF. All PCI and CA procedures were successfully performed without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: The audiovisual telesupport system enabled cardiologists with limited human resources to provide safe and high-quality catheter interventions.

Improving paediatric cardiologists' awareness about the needs of childhood cancer survivors: results of a single-centre directed educational initiative.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors. Cardiologists must be aware of risk factors and long-term follow-up guidelines, which have historically been the purview of oncologists. Little is known about paediatric cardiologists' knowledge regarding the cardiotoxicity of cancer treatment and how to improve this knowledge. METHODS: A total of 58 paediatric cardiologists anonymously completed a 21-question, web-based survey focused on four cardio-oncology themes: cancer treatment-related risk factors (n = 6), patient-related risk factors (n = 6), recommended surveillance (n = 3), and cardiac-specific considerations (n = 6). Following the baseline survey, a multi-disciplinary team of paediatric cardiologists and cancer survivor providers developed an in-person and web-based educational intervention. A post-intervention survey was conducted 5 months later. RESULTS: The response rate was 41/58 (70.7%) pre-intervention and 30/58 (51.7%) post-intervention. On the baseline survey, the percentage of correct answers was 68.8 ± 10.3%, which improved to 79.2 ± 16.2% after the intervention (p = 0.009). The theme with the most profound knowledge deficit was surveillance; however, it also had the greatest improvement after the intervention (49.6 ± 26.7 versus 66.7 ± 27.7% correct, p = 0.025). Individual questions with the largest per cent improvement pertained to risk of cardiac dysfunction with time since treatment (52.4 versus 93.1%, p = 0.002) and the role of dexrazoxane (48.8 versus 82.8%, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Specific knowledge deficits about the care of paediatric cancer survivors were identified amongst cardiologists using a web-based survey. Knowledge of surveillance was initially lowest but improved the most after an educational intervention. This highlights the need for cardio-oncology-based educational initiatives among paediatric cardiologists.

Realistic Vascular Replicator for TAVR Procedures.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an over-the-wire procedure for treatment of severe aortic stenosis (AS). TAVR valves are conventionally tested using simplified left heart simulators (LHS). While those provide baseline performance reliably, their aortic root geometries are far from the anatomical in situ configuration, often overestimating the valves' performance. We report on a novel benchtop patient-specific arterial replicator designed for testing TAVR and training interventional cardiologists in the procedure. The Replicator is an accurate model of the human upper body vasculature for training physicians in percutaneous interventions. It comprises of fully-automated Windkessel mechanism to recreate physiological flow conditions. Calcified aortic valve models were fabricated and incorporated into the Replicator, then tested for performing TAVR procedure by an experienced cardiologist using the Inovare valve. EOA, pressures, and angiograms were monitored pre- and post-TAVR. A St. Jude mechanical valve was tested as a reference that is less affected by the AS anatomy. Results in the Replicator of both valves were compared to the performance in a commercial ISO-compliant LHS. The AS anatomy in the Replicator resulted in a significant decrease of the TAVR valve performance relative to the simplified LHS, with EOA and transvalvular pressures comparable to clinical data. Minor change was seen in the mechanical valve performance. The Replicator showed to be an effective platform for TAVR testing. Unlike a simplified geometric anatomy LHS, it conservatively provides clinically-relevant outcomes and complement it. The Replicator can be most valuable for testing new valves under challenging patient anatomies, physicians training, and procedural planning.

Educational needs and application of guidelines in the management of patients with mitral regurgitation. A European mixed-methods study.

Aims: To assess the knowledge and application of European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines in the management of mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods and results: A mixed-methods educational needs assessment was performed. Following a qualitative phase (interviews), an online survey was undertaken using three case scenarios (asymptomatic severe primary MR, symptomatic severe primary MR in the elderly, and severe secondary MR) in 115 primary care physicians (PCPs), and 439 cardiologists or cardiac surgeons from seven European countries. Systematic cardiac auscultation was performed by only 54% of clinicians in asymptomatic patients. Cardiologists appropriately interpreted echocardiographic assessment of mechanism and quantification of primary MR (≥75%), but only 44% recognized secondary MR as severe. In asymptomatic severe primary MR with an indication for surgery, 27% of PCPs did not refer the patient to a cardiologist and medical therapy was overused by 19% of cardiologists. In the elderly patient with severe symptomatic primary MR, 72% of cardiologists considered mitral intervention (transcatheter edge-to-edge valve repair in 72%). In severe symptomatic secondary MR, optimization of medical therapy was advised by only 51% of PCPs and 33% of cardiologists, and surgery considered in 30% of cases (transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in 64%). Conclusion: Systematic auscultation is underused by PCPs for the early detection of MR. Medical therapy is overused in primary MR and underused in secondary MR. Indications for interventions are appropriate in most patients with primary MR, but are unexpectedly frequent for secondary MR. These gaps identify important targets for future educational programs.

Novel proctorship effectively teaches interventionists coronary artery chronic total occlusion lesions.

BACKGROUND: Interventionists' experience and skills are essential factors for successful chronic total occlusion-percutaneous coronary intervention (CTO-PCI). However, the construction of theoretical strategy independent from interventionists' procedure may also improve it. We sought to assess the feasibility of CTO-PCI using an educational system supported by a single expert proctor. METHODS: A total of 160 patients underwent CTO-PCI between 2009 and 2016 at 92 Japanese centers in the Hands-on proctorship project. The CTO-PCI strategy was discussed with all participants and their specialists, before and during the procedure. We divided patients into 2 groups based on the CTO-PCI experience of their interventionist: (1) the less experienced group (CTO-PCI ≤50 cases, n=65) and (2) the more experienced group (CTO-PCI >50 cases, n=95). Baseline characteristics, procedural complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in patient age, sex, prevalence for coronary risk factors, and lesion complexity was observed between groups. The retrograde approach was used equivalently between groups (55.4% vs. 60.0%, p=0.56), and procedural success rates were similar (96.9% vs. 90.5%, p=0.12). The rate of proctor's bailout for recanalization were not frequent between groups (4.6% vs. 5.3%, p=0.85). No procedure-related mortality was noted in either group. In addition, no significant differences in procedural cardiac complications, including coronary dissection, perforation, or tamponade, were observed between groups (10.8% vs. 14.7%, p=0.47). CONCLUSIONS: The expert-supported CTO-PCI maintained high success rates regardless of interventionists' experience. This highlights the importance of theoretical strategy for the management patients undergoing CTO-PCI.

Simulation-based education leads to decreased use of fluoroscopy in diagnostic coronary angiography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine whether simulation-based education (SBE) translates into reduced procedure time, radiation, and contrast use in actual clinical care. BACKGROUND: As a high volume procedure often performed by novice cardiology fellows, diagnostic coronary angiography represents an excellent target for SBE. Reports of SBE in interventional cardiology are limited and there is little understanding of the potential downstream clinical impact of these interventions. METHODS: All diagnostic coronary angiograms performed at a single center between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2015 were analyzed. Random effects linear regression models were used to compare outcomes between procedures performed by 12 cardiology fellows who underwent simulation-based training and those performed by 20 traditionally trained fellows. RESULTS: Thirty-two cardiology fellows performed 2,783 diagnostic coronary angiograms. Procedures performed by fellows trained with SBE were shorter (mean of 23.98 min vs. 24.94 min, P = 0.034) and were performed with decreased radiation (mean of 56,348 mGycm2 vs. 66,120 mGycm2 , P < 0.001). After controlling for year in training, procedure year, access site, and supervising attending physician, training on the simulator was independently associated with 117 fewer seconds of fluoroscopy time per procedure (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic coronary angiography SBE is associated with decreased use of fluoroscopy in downstream clinical care. SBE may be a useful tool to reduce radiation exposure in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Influencia de la experiencia profesional del cardiólogo clínico sobre la adecuación de las indicaciones clínicas de la gated-SPECT de perfusión miocárdica / Influence of the professional experience of the clinical cardiologist on the adequacy of the clinical indications of myocardial perfusion gated-SPECT

Resumen Objetivo: Durante el período de formación, el residente de cardiología ha de entrenarse en todo lo relacionado con la indicación, la interpretación y realización de imágenes en cardiología nuclear que usan la tomografía computarizada por emisión de fotón simple (SPECT). El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la relación existente entre la adecuación de las indicaciones del gated-SPECT de perfusión miocárdica y los años de experiencia desde la finalización de la residencia de cardiología. Método: Registro descriptivo, retrospectivo y unicéntrico, en el que se analizaron las indicaciones (uso adecuado e inadecuado), según las guías de la gated-SPECT de perfusión miocárdica, prescritas por cardiólogos de un hospital universitario. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 950 pruebas de gated-SPECT de acuerdo a la indicación adecuada e inadecuada y se distribuyeron por cuartiles los años de finalización de la residencia del cardiólogo prescriptor. Los cardiólogos de menos de 10 años de experiencia clínica indican de forma inadecuada una mayor proporción de pruebas de gated-SPECT que los cardiólogos de mayor experiencia (87,6 vs. 9,3%: p < 0,001). Tras ajustar por edad, sexo y factores de riesgo cardiovascular, el análisis multivariante mostró que por cada año de experiencia tras finalizar la residencia de cardiología aumenta un 33% la probabilidad de indicar de forma adecuada la prueba (OR: 1,33; IC 95%: 1,29-1,38; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La experiencia profesional del cardiólogo clínico es el factor más importante para realizar una indicación adecuada de la gated-SPECT de perfusión miocárdica.

Abstract Objective: During cardiology training, the cardiology fellow has to be trained in all things related to the indication, interpretation, and performing of nuclear cardiology studies using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The aim of the present study was to analyse the relationship between the adequacy of indications of myocardial perfusion gated-SPECT and the years of experience since the completion of cardiology training. Method: A descriptive, retrospective analysis was performed on a single-centre register, in which the indications (adequate or inadequate use) were recorded according to myocardial perfusion gated-SPECT guidelines, prescribed by cardiologists of a university hospital. Results: A total of 950 gated-SPECT tests were analysed according to the appropriate or inade- quate indication. The sample of study was distributed in quartiles (years) since the cardiologist finished the residency. Cardiologists with less than 10 years of clinical experience reported a higher proportion of gated-SPECT tests compared to the more experienced cardiologists (87.6 vs. 9.3%, P < .001). After adjusting for age, gender, and cardiovascular risk factors, the multiva- riate analysis showed that, for each year of experience after completion of cardiology training, the probability of adequately indicating the test (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.29-1.38, P < .001) was statistically significant. Conclusions: The professional experience of the clinical cardiologist is the most important factor to perform an appropriate indication of gated-SPECT myocardial perfusion.

Nutrition Education for Cardiologists: The Time Has Come.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nutrition is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health, yet the training of cardiovascular specialists in nutrition has been called into question. This report summarizes the current state of nutrition education in the training of cardiovascular specialists and offers recommendations for curricular enhancements. RECENT FINDINGS: Medical students receive an average of fewer than 20 h of nutrition education, largely confined to basic sciences and discussion of vitamin deficiency states. Current guidelines for Internal Medicine residency and cardiovascular fellowship training do not contain any specific requirement for nutrition education. A recent survey showed that the vast majority of cardiologists report having received minimal nutrition training, although most cardiologists believe it is their personal responsibility to provide nutritional counseling to their patients. Cardiologists typically receive minimal training in nutrition and are not well equipped to deliver effective nutritional counseling and recognize opportunities for appropriate referral. The potential for cardiologists to become more effective team members in delivering nutritional interventions is considerable.

Simulator training to minimize ionizing radiation exposure in the catheterization laboratory.

To learn about radiation and how to lower it. Patients and operators are routinely exposed to high doses of ionizing radiation during catheterization procedures. This increased exposure to ionizing radiation is partially due to a lack of awareness to the effects of ionizing radiation, and lack of knowledge on the distribution and behavior of scattered radiation. A simulator, which incorporates data on scattered ionizing radiation, was built based on multiple phantom measurements and used for teaching radiation safety. The validity of the simulator was confirmed in three catheterization laboratories and tested by 20 interventional cardiologists. All evaluators were tested by an objective knowledge examination before, immediately following, and 12 weeks after simulator-based learning and training. A subjective Likert questionnaire on satisfaction with simulation-based learning and training was also completed. The 20 evaluators learned and retained the knowledge that they gained from using the simulator: the average scores of the knowledge examination pre-simulator training was 54 ± 15% (mean ± standard deviation), and this score significantly increased after training to 94 ± 10% (p < 0.001). The evaluators also reported high levels of satisfaction following simulation-based learning and training according to the results of the subjective Likert questionnaire. Simulators can be used to train cardiology staff and fellows and to further educate experienced personnel on radiation safety. As a result of simulator training, the operator gains knowledge, which can then be applied in the catheterization laboratory in order to reduce radiation doses to the patient and to the operator, thereby improving the safety of the intervention.

Cardiology-cardiothoracic subspeciality training in South Africa: a position paper of the South Africa Heart Association.

Over the past decades, South Africa has undergone rapid demographic changes, which have led to marked increases in specific cardiac disease categories, such as rheumatic heart disease (now predominantly presenting in young adults with advanced and symptomatic disease) and coronary artery disease (with rapidly increasing prevalence in middle age). The lack of screening facilities, delayed diagnosis and inadequate care at primary, secondary and tertiary levels have led to a large burden of patients with heart failure. This leads to suffering of the patients and substantial costs to society and the healthcare system. In this position paper, the South African Heart Association (SA Heart) National Council members have summarised the current state of cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric cardiology reigning in South Africa. Our report demonstrates that there has been minimal change in the number of successfully qualified specialists over the last decade and, therefore, a de facto decline per capita. We summarise the major gaps in training and possible interventions to transform the healthcare system, dealing with the colliding epidemic of communicable disease and the rapidly expanding epidemic of non-communicable disease, including cardiac disease.

Effect of Educational Intervention on the Rate of Rarely Appropriate Outpatient Echocardiograms Ordered by Attending Academic Cardiologists: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Appropriate use criteria-based educational initiatives have been shown to improve transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) ordering practices of physicians in training. Whether such an intervention is successful with attending cardiologists remains unknown. Objective: To prospectively investigate the effect of an appropriate use criteria-based educational intervention on ordering of outpatient TTEs by attending academic cardiologists. Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial of an educational intervention designed to reduce the number of outpatient TTEs that were deemed to be rarely appropriate by published appropriate use criteria. Investigators classifying TTEs were blinded to participant groupings. The study was conducted within the cardiology division at the Massachusetts General Hospital, an academic quaternary care hospital. Staff members of the cardiology division were included; 66 cardiologists were randomized. The study was conducted from November 19, 2013, to June 1, 2014. An analysis of the evaluable population was performed. Interventions: The appropriate use criteria-based educational intervention consisted of a review lecture and electronic information card, as well as monthly individual physician feedback via email. The email described the percentage of rarely appropriate TTEs as well as the appropriate use criteria rationale for classifying studies as rarely appropriate. Main Outcomes and Measures: We hypothesized a priori that the educational intervention would reduce the number of rarely appropriate TTEs. The primary outcome was the rate of rarely appropriate TTEs. Results: Of the 66 cardiologists enrolled in the study, 65 were included in the analysis (1 intervention cardiologist retired from practice during the study). The participants' mean (SD) age was 50.6 (10.5) years; 48 (73%) were men. Following intervention, the proportion of rarely appropriate TTEs was significantly lower in the intervention vs control group (143 of 1359 [10.5%] vs 285 of 1728 [16.5%]; odds ratio [OR], 0.59 [95% CI, 0.39-0.88]; P = .01), and there was a nonsignificant increase in the proportion of appropriate TTEs in the intervention vs control group (1054 [77.6%] vs 1244 [72.0%]; OR, 1.38 [95% CI, 0.93-2.05]; P = .11). The most common of the 428 rarely appropriate indications were routine surveillance within 3 years after prosthetic valve insertion (73 [17.1%]), routine surveillance within 1 year for moderate or severe valvular stenosis (64 [15.0%]), and routine surveillance of cardiomyopathy (45 [10.5%]) or ventricular function (36 [8.4%]). Conclusions and Relevance: An appropriate use criteria-based educational and feedback intervention reduced the number of rarely appropriate TTEs ordered by attending academic cardiologists. This strategy may be feasible to improve TTE utilization among cardiologists, and this type of intervention warrants study in other practice environments. Trial Registration: clinicalrials.gov Identifier: NCT01968642.

Radiation protection training for cardiologists in the era of multiple imaging techniques and complex interventions.

Cardiologists are among the heaviest medical users of ionising radiation. This usage is growing in proportion to the expanding range of cardiac diagnostic tests and interventional treatments. The primary focus of cardiologists is achieving clear diagnoses as well as technically and clinically successful treatments. That has to be set alongside strong awareness of the properties of ionising radiation and associated safety issues. This article illustrates some of the interplay between contemporary cardiology, radiological techniques, cardiology training and ionising radiation regulations and aims to set context for training and accreditation of cardiologists who use ionising radiation.