Abstract
ObjectiveIntroduce the low-cost and easy to purchase simulator without biological material so that any institution may promote extensive cardiovascular surgery training both in a hospital setting and at home without large budgets.MethodsA transparent plastic box is placed in a wooden frame, which is held by the edges using elastic bands, with the bottom turned upwards, where an oval opening is made, "simulating" a thoracotomy. For basic exercises in the aorta, the model presented by our service in the 2015 Brazilian Congress of Cardiovascular Surgery: a silicone ice tray, where one can train to make aortic purse-string suture, aortotomy, aortorrhaphy and proximal and distal anastomoses. Simulators for the training of valve replacement and valvoplasty, atrial septal defect repair and aortic diseases were added. These simulators are based on sewage pipes obtained in construction material stores and the silicone trays and ethyl vinyl acetate tissue were obtained in utility stores, all of them at a very low cost.ResultsThe models were manufactured using inert materials easily found in regular stores and do not present contamination risk. They may be used in any environment and maybe stored without any difficulties. This training enabled young surgeons to familiarize and train different surgical techniques, including procedures for aortic diseases. In a subjective assessment, these surgeons reported that the training period led to improved surgical techniques in the surgical field.ConclusionThe model described in this protocol is effective and low-cost when compared to existing simulators, enabling a large array of cardiovascular surgery training.
Highlights
Young medical students and surgeons have been trained in cadavers and live animals since the 19th century
They may be used in any environment and maybe stored without any difficulties. This training enabled young surgeons to familiarize and train different surgical techniques, including procedures for aortic diseases. These surgeons reported that the training period led to improved surgical techniques in the surgical field
The model described in this protocol is effective and low-cost when compared to existing simulators, enabling a large array of cardiovascular surgery training
Summary
Young medical students and surgeons have been trained in cadavers and live animals since the 19th century. Due to the difficulties to obtain and use cadavers, ethical issues and significant anatomic differences between animals and humans[1,2,3], new methods to teach surgical techniques have been pursued such as the use of artificial simulators[4]. Research involving medical learning and teaching using simulation is difficult to interpret, especially because one cannot be sure whether the method has made any difference or whether those using the method were more dedicated[7]. Medical students have reached similar results in surgical techniques using simple or sophisticated simulators[11,12] and any training using simulators produced superior results than theoretical training alone[5]
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