Novel bicuspid aortic valve model with aortic regurgitation for hemodynamic status analysis using an ex vivo simulator.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to design and evaluate a clinically relevant, novel ex vivo bicuspid aortic valve model that mimics the most common human phenotype with associated aortic regurgitation. METHODS: Three bovine aortic valves were mounted asymmetrically in a previously validated 3-dimensional-printed left heart simulator. The non-right commissure and the non-left commissure were both shifted slightly toward the left-right commissure, and the left and right coronary cusps were sewn together. The left-right commissure was then detached and reimplanted 10 mm lower than its native height. Free margin shortening was used for valve repair. Hemodynamic status, high-speed videography, and echocardiography data were collected before and after the repair. RESULTS: The bicuspid aortic valve model was successfully produced and repaired. High-speed videography confirmed prolapse of the fused cusp of the baseline bicuspid aortic valve models in diastole. Hemodynamic and pressure data confirmed accurate simulation of diseased conditions with aortic regurgitation and the subsequent repair. Regurgitant fraction postrepair was significantly reduced compared with that at baseline (14.5 ± 4.4% vs 28.6% ± 3.4%; P = .037). There was no change in peak velocity, peak gradient, or mean gradient across the valve pre- versus postrepair: 293.3 ± 18.3 cm/sec versus 325.3 ± 58.2 cm/sec (P = .29), 34.3 ± 4.2 mm Hg versus 43.3 ± 15.4 mm Hg (P = .30), and 11 ± 1 mm Hg versus 9.3 ± 2.5 mm Hg (P = .34), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: An ex vivo bicuspid aortic valve model was designed that recapitulated the most common human phenotype with aortic regurgitation. These valves were successfully repaired, validating its potential for evaluating valve hemodynamics and optimizing surgical repair for bicuspid aortic valves.

Simulation training for continuing professional development of nurses in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery.

BACKGROUND:   Nurses play a key role in cardiac arrest management, especially those assigned to cardiac intensive care units, where they are often actively involved in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. AIM: To evaluate the effect of simulation training in in continuing professional development of nurses in this setting. METHODS: A comparative study using paired samples (where the candidate was his own control with repeated measures before and after intervention), was conducted among nurses working in the cardiology and cardiovascular surgery division of our institution. The primary endpoint was the change in skills judged on the basis of competency score of 20 assessed before and after simulation training. RESULTS: 32 nurses participated in the training session. Despite a median job seniority of 8.5 years [4.0 - 12.5], only 44% of nurses had already participated in a simulation session. Although most of the candidates (84%) had previously performed chest compressions, only 34% had delivered an electrical defibrillation during their exercise. We showed a significant increase in overall scores from 8.0 [5.0 - 9.8] to 17.5 [17.0 - 19.0] after the simulation training session (p<0.0001). All the criteria judged in the evaluation grid (basic life support, manual electrical defibrillation) were significantly improved and the most positive effect was observed in the manual defibrillation where the prior experience of the participants was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation learning had a major positive impact on the development of nurses' skills in terms of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Introducing off-the-job training to cardiovascular surgical residency training: a new era of developing competent cardiovascular surgeons.

PURPOSE: This review summarizes the recent progress made in understanding the skill acquisition process of achieving expert status in various fields that require fine motor skills. We discuss the attempts to apply this progress to develop competent surgeons. METHODS: We reviewed the existing literature, using the keywords "surgical training", "skill acquisition", and "simulator-based training", using Medline, as well as recent books and chapters related to these issues. We also summarized the role of simulator-based training in basic skill acquisition through deliberate practice. Other aspects of surgical skills, such as steps taken to improve motor skills, technical skill in the operating room, and competency level from novice to expert, were reviewed. RESULTS: The common element of practice to develop top-ranking experts in various fields is deliberate practice. Long-term repetitive practice is supported by the individual's mental attitude: guts, resilience, initiative, tenancy (GRIT). GRIT can be imparted using a teaching method that supports a "growth mindset". CONCLUSIONS: Recent theoretical advances in skill acquisition can be applied to surgical residency training, while intense efforts are being made to improve the curriculum and training environment.

Gender Disparities in Cardiovascular Fellowship Training Among 3 Specialties From 2007 to 2017.

Despite women accounting for nearly half of all U.S. medical school graduates, this balanced representation is lacking in the cardiovascular specialties. To explore this question further, gender-based trends in the selection of cardiovascular subspecialty fellowship training were investigated among three core specialties: anesthesiology, medicine, and surgery. Using enrollment and workforce data from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), and the Journal of the American Medical Association Annual Report on Graduate Medical Education, trends in cardiovascular fellowship selection among women were examined over a 10-year period (2007-2017). An attempt was also made to better understand barriers that might contribute to any discrepancies, as well as factors that might influence women's choices of cardiovascular specialties over other fields.

3D printing for preoperative planning and surgical training: a review.

Surgeons typically rely on their past training and experiences as well as visual aids from medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) for the planning of surgical processes. Often, due to the anatomical complexity of the surgery site, two dimensional or virtual images are not sufficient to successfully convey the structural details. For such scenarios, a 3D printed model of the patient's anatomy enables personalized preoperative planning. This paper reviews critical aspects of 3D printing for preoperative planning and surgical training, starting with an overview of the process-flow and 3D printing techniques, followed by their applications spanning across multiple organ systems in the human body. State of the art in these technologies are described along with a discussion of current limitations and future opportunities.

VCSim3: a VR simulator for cardiovascular interventions.

PURPOSE: Effective and safe performance of cardiovascular interventions requires excellent catheter/guidewire manipulation skills. These skills are currently mainly gained through an apprenticeship on real patients, which may not be safe or cost-effective. Computer simulation offers an alternative for core skills training. However, replicating the physical behaviour of real instruments navigated through blood vessels is a challenging task. METHODS: We have developed VCSim3-a virtual reality simulator for cardiovascular interventions. The simulator leverages an inextensible Cosserat rod to model virtual catheters and guidewires. Their mechanical properties were optimized with respect to their real counterparts scanned in a silicone phantom using X-ray CT imaging. The instruments are manipulated via a VSP haptic device. Supporting solutions such as fluoroscopic visualization, contrast flow propagation, cardiac motion, balloon inflation, and stent deployment, enable performing a complete angioplasty procedure. RESULTS: We present detailed results of simulation accuracy of the virtual instruments, along with their computational performance. In addition, the results of a preliminary face and content validation study conveyed on a group of 17 interventional radiologists are given. CONCLUSIONS: VR simulation of cardiovascular procedure can contribute to surgical training and improve the educational experience without putting patients at risk, raising ethical issues or requiring expensive animal or cadaver facilities. VCSim3 is still a prototype, yet the initial results indicate that it provides promising foundations for further development.

Ensino de técnicas de cirurgia cardiovascular na graduação em Medicina utilizando vísceras de suínos / Teaching techniques in cardiovascular surgery for undergraduate students with swine thoracic viscera

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um método prático de ensino e avaliar o grau de eficácia do aprendizado, comparando alunos que passaram pelo curso durante a graduação básica (sétimo semestre) e após 18 meses (décimo semestre), já no internato hospitalar. MÉTODOS: As vísceras conservadas por refrigeração, com coração, estruturas vasculares do mediastino, traqueia e pulmões, foram fixadas em suporte metálico apropriado. Os vasos supra- -aórticos foram ligados, e uma sonda de Foley foi introduzida retrogradamente para a infusão de água, permitindo a apresentação de procedimentos operatórios. Foram aplicados questionários a 40 alunos do sétimo e décimo semestre. As respostas foram submetidas à análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Foram demonstradas técnicas necessárias para o estabelecimento de circulação extracorpórea, confecção de enxerto aorta-coronária com segmento da artéria carótida obtido no mesmo bloco de vísceras, substituição da valva aórtica por prótese valvar sintética, correção de defeito previamente realizado no septo atrial, posicionamento dos vários tipos de eletrodos utilizados para a estimulação elétrica do coração, demonstração de técnicas empregadas para transplante cardíaco, simulação e correção de ferimentos do coração e da aorta. O grau de adequação da ferramenta avaliada foi positivo, com valores entre 55 e 95%, e houve retenção dos ensinamentos após 18 meses. Conclusão: Este método de ensino foi de fácil preparação e baixo custo, permitindo a realização de operações complexas e despertando interesse durante a graduação em Medicina.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To present this practical teaching method, and assess the degree of learning effectiveness, comparing students who attended the course during basic undergraduation (seventh semester), and after eighteen months (tenth semester), when already in the Hospital internship. METHODS: Thoracic viscera, with heart, vascular structures of the mediastinum, trachea and lungs, preserved by refrigeration, were fixed in a metallic device. The supra-aortic branches were connected, and a Foley catheter was introduced backwards for water infusion, allowing the presentation of surgical procedures. Questionnaires were applied to 40 students of the seventh and tenth semesters; the answers underwent statistical analysis. RESULTS: The following techniques were demonstrated: establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass; coronary artery bypass grafting with carotid artery segment obtained in the same block of viscera; aortic valve replacement with synthetic valve; patch made with biological material in order to correct a defect previously held in the atrial septum; positioning of the various types of electrodes used for electrical stimulation of the heart; demonstration of techniques performed in cardiac transplantation and simulation and correction of both heart and aorta injuries. The degree of adequacy of such tool was positive, with values between 55 and 95%, and retention of what was taught after 18 months. CONCLUSION: This teaching method requires easy preparation and low cost, allowing the performance of complex operations, attracting medical students' interest.(AU)