Vascular Fellowship Research Articles

Invited commentary

Invited commentary

Increasing the number of integrated vascular surgery residency positions is important to address the impending shortage of vascular surgeons in the United States

ObjectiveThe demand for vascular surgeons is expected to far exceed the current supply. In an attempt to decrease the training duration and to address the impending shortage, integrated vascular surgery residencies were approved and have expanded nationally. Meanwhile, vascular fellowships have continued to matriculate approximately 120 trainees annually. We sought to evaluate the supply and demand for integrated vascular residency positions as well as changes in the quality of applicants. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of national data compiled by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Resident Matching Program regarding integrated vascular surgery residency programs (2008-2015) and fellowships (2007-2016). Variables reviewed included the total number of applicants, sex, U.S. vs international medical school enrollment, applications per program, and applicants per position. In addition, we conducted a retrospective review of applicants to the University of Massachusetts Medical School integrated vascular surgery residency program from 2008 to 2015 to examine these variables and United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2 CK scores over time. ResultsThe number of vascular surgery integrated residency positions increased from 4 in 2008 to 56 in 2015. Concurrently, the number of integrated residency applicants grew from 112 in 2008 to 434 in 2015. This increase has been predominantly driven by a 575% increase in U.S. graduate applicants and a 170% increase in women applicants. The percentage of international medical graduates has decreased by 17% during the study period. The total number of applicants per residency position increased from 5.9 to 7.8. Meanwhile, the number of vascular surgery fellowship positions remained stable with an applicant to position ratio near 1:1. At the University of Massachusetts Medical School, the mean United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 (226 to 235) and Step 2 CK (237 to 243) scores among integrated residency applicants have improved annually and typically exceed the national average among U.S. applicants who have matched in their preferred specialty. ConclusionsSince the approval of a primary certificate in vascular surgery and the subsequent rollout of integrated vascular residency programs, the number of residency programs and the quality of residency applicants have continued to increase. Demand from medical school applicants vastly outweighs the current supply of training positions by eightfold. In contrast, demand from fellowship applicants matches the supply of fellowship positions. The matriculation of additional trainees must be met with continued expansion of the integrated vascular surgery residency pathway to manage future public health needs.

Renal Transplantation as a Platform for Teaching Residents Open Vascular Surgical Techniques: Effects on Early Graft Function

Over the past decade, increases in vascular fellowships and the use of endovascular technology have decreased the general surgery residents' exposure to open vascular surgery. We sought to elucidate whether renal transplant is a safe way to teach general surgery residents the essential tenants of vascular surgery without adversely affecting early patient outcomes. All solitary, adult deceased donor kidney transplants performed at the University of Wisconsin from 2011 through 2016 were identified and divided into a resident-assist (RA) and fellow-assist cohorts (FA). DGF, defined by the requirement of dialysis within 1 week of transplant, was the primary outcome. Early graft survival and postoperative complications were considered the secondary endpoints. Of the 774 total cases, there were 228 (29.5%) in the RA cohort and 546 (70.5%) in the FA cohort. The RA and FA cohorts had comparable characteristics, except for a nonclinically significant difference in mean donor creatinine (0.96 vs 0.88mg/dL, p = 0.03). RA cases had a similar DGF rate compared to FA cases (25% vs 26%, p = 0.93). Additionally, there was no difference in 2-year graft survival (93.7% vs 95.5%, p = 0.38), nor the rates of graft thromboses (0.4% vs 0.7%, p = 0.65), incisional hernias (0.9% vs 1.8%, p = 0.35), and ureteral strictures (2.2% vs 1.6%, p = 0.55) between the 2 cohorts. Resident involvement in renal transplantation has no effect on DGF and early allograft function. Though the procedural involvement of each resident in a case is variable, it seems to be a safe way to teach retroperitoneal vascular exposure and anastomotic techniques.

Vascular Surgery Training - Horses for Courses.

Vascular Surgery Training - Horses for Courses.

A national resident survey about the current state of venous education in vascular surgery training programs.

The objective of this study was to characterize U.S. vascular surgery trainees' perceptions, case numbers, and attitudes toward venous disease education, as well as their intent to incorporate it into future practice. These data will provide us with a current snapshot of postgraduate venous education from a resident's perspective. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. A 13-question survey was created and distributed to all vascular surgery residents in the United States by SurveyMonkey. Formal electronic distribution remained deidentified as the surveys were e-mailed to residents from the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery. Of 464 vascular surgery trainees queried, 104 (22%) responded to the survey. The majority of responders (80%) were between 25 and 34years of age, 60% were male, and 72% were white; 91% reported that they were in an academic training program, and 57% were enrolled in an integrated vascular surgery residency program. Postgraduate years (PGYs) of training among respondents were well represented: PGY 1, 14%; PGY 2, 8%; PGY 3, 14%; PGY 4, 12%; PGY 5, 9%; PGY 6, 18%; and PGY 7, 25%. Vascular resident training experience with venous disease revealed the following: 63% performed<10 inferior vena cava stents, 64% performed<10 vein stripping/ligation procedures, and 50% performed<10 iliac stents; 92% of responders reported having performed<10 venous bypasses during their training. Experience with endothermal ablations was slightly better, with 74% of responders reporting having performed up to 20 cases. Case volumes for endothermal ablation, vein stripping/ligation, inferior vena cava stenting, and iliac stenting increased progressively by clinical training year among integrated vascular residents (P ≤ .02) but were relatively stable for classic 5+ 2 vascular fellows (P ≥ .67). Integrated residents reported having received more didactic venous education than the 5+ 2 vascular surgery fellows (P= .01). There were no differences in overall reported venous procedure volumes between groups (P ≥ .28). The majority of trainees (82%) acknowledged that treating venous disease is part of a standard vascular surgery practice, and many (75%) indicated a desire to have increased venous training. Despite this, 59% of responders reported plans to dedicate<25% of their future vascular surgery practice to venous disease. In this national survey-based study of vascular surgery trainees, we demonstrate a perceived weakness in venous disease case volumes and didactic education in residency. This training deficit is apparent in both integrated (0+ 5) and traditional (5+ 2) training pathways. Our data suggest that expansion of the venous disease curriculum with clear training standards is warranted and that trainees would welcome such a change.

Comparison of Vascular Operative Experience Between Traditional Vascular Fellowship and Vascular Integrated Residency Graduates

Comparison of Vascular Operative Experience Between Traditional Vascular Fellowship and Vascular Integrated Residency Graduates

Reliability assessment of the Biffl Scale for blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury as detected on computer tomography angiography.

OBJECTIVE Blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury (TCVI) represents structural injury to a vessel due to high-energy trauma. The Biffl Scale is a widely accepted grading scheme for these injuries that was developed using digital subtraction angiography. In recent years, screening CT angiography (CTA) has been used to identify patients with TCVI. The reliability of this scale, with injuries assessed using CTA, has not yet been determined. METHODS Seven independent raters, including 2 neurosurgeons, 2 neuroradiologists, 2 neurosurgical residents, and 1 neurosurgical vascular fellow, independently reviewed each presenting CTA of the neck performed in 40 patients with confirmed TCVI and assigned a Biffl grade. Ten images were repeated to assess intrarater reliability, for a total of 50 CTAs. Fleiss' multirater kappa (κ) and interclass correlation were calculated as a measure of interrater reliability. Weighted Cohen's κ was used to assess intrarater reliability. RESULTS Fleiss' multirater κ was 0.65 (95% CI 0.61-0.69), indicating substantial agreement as to the Biffl grade assignment among the 7 raters. Interclass correlation was 0.82, demonstrating excellent agreement among the raters. Intrarater reliability was perfect (weighted Cohen's κ = 1) in 2 raters, and near perfect (weighted Cohen's κ > 0.8) in the remaining 5 raters. CONCLUSIONS Grading of TCVI with CTA using the Biffl Scale is reliable.

Variability in 2-year training programs in vascular surgery based on results of an Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery survey

ObjectiveAlthough a great deal of attention has recently focused on 5-year integrated (0+5) training programs in vascular surgery, a paucity of data exists concerning variability of daily assignments in 2-year (5+2) vascular fellowships. MethodsWe polled Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery members with 2-year vascular fellowships to determine the number of days in a 5-day work week that first- and second-year fellows were assigned to open vascular operations, endovascular procedures (hospital vs nonhospital facility), arterial clinic, venous clinic, noninvasive vascular laboratory (NIVL), and research. ResultsOf the 103 program directors from 5+2 vascular training programs, 102 (99%) responded. The most common schedule for both first- and second-year fellows was performing both open and endovascular procedures in the hospital on the same day 4 days of the week and spending time in combined artery and vein clinic 1 day of the week. Program directors developed different schedules for each year of the 2-year fellowship in about half (55% [56]) of the programs. A small minority of programs devoted days to only open surgical cases (13% [13]), a separate venous clinic (17% [17]), or a separate arterial clinic (11% [11]) and performed endovascular procedures in a nonhospital facility (15% [15]). All but three programs had mandatory time in clinic both years. Approximately one-third (30% [31]) of programs designated time devoted to research, whereas the others expected fellows to find time on their own. Although passing the Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation examination is required, there was devoted time in the NIVL in only 60% (61) of programs. ConclusionsTraining assignments in terms of time spent performing open and endovascular procedures and participating in clinic, the NIVL, and research varied widely among Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited 5+2 vascular fellowships and did not always fulfill Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines. In the current era of emphasis on endovascular-based interventions, few programs devoted days to purely open surgical procedures. Endovascular experience in a nonhospital facility (where these procedures will likely become more common in the future), outpatient venous procedures, and designated time devoted to the NIVL and research were lacking in many programs. These results provide a valid data set for the Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery to consider establishing guidelines for training assignments in 5+2 vascular training programs.

Effects of Mentorship on Graduating Vascular Surgery Trainees

Mentorship within surgery, particularly vascular surgery, has not been extensively evaluated. This study sought to examine mentorship experiences in graduating vascular trainees (VTs). An anonymous electronic survey examining current mentor relationships, ideal characteristics, academic productivity, and operative comfort level was emailed to all US graduating 2015 (n=141) and 2016 (n=144) VTs during their last year of training. A parallel survey was emailed to program/associate program directors (PDs) of all US vascular training programs (n=169). Surveys were completed by 65 (38%) PDs and 62 (22%) VTs. Forty-three (69%) VTs identified a mentor with no difference in frequency of having a mentor noted among gender, type of training (fellowship/residency), or geographical region. The majority (41/43, 95%) recognized a vascular surgeon as their mentor; the mentor was assigned to 10 of 43 (23%) trainees and was their PD to 9 of 43 (21%). Ideal mentor characteristics, identified by VTs using 4-point Likert scales, were approachability, supportiveness, and accessibility (3.94, 3.76, and 3.74, respectively), while those of a good mentee were enthusiasm, ethical work, and commitment (3.79, 3.69, and 3.45, respectively). Trainees scored accessibility, approachability, compassion, and same gender significantly higher than PDs as characteristics of ideal mentors (P<0.05). The majority of PDs thought mentorship increased access to research opportunities, professional networking, and job opportunities, but not operative skill (90%, 95%, 65%, and 18%, respectively). There was no difference between trainees with mentors and those without in terms of reported academic productivity or operative comfort level. Vascular fellows reported higher comfort than residents in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (3.32 vs. 2.73, P=0.006), juxtarenal aneurysm repair (2.8 vs. 2.1, P=0.02), and aorto-mesenteric bypass (2.57 vs. 1.93, P=0.03), and neither group was comfortable performing carotid stenting or fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repairs. There is no difference in academic productivity or case comfort level between surgical trainees with mentors and those without. Possible benefits identified by PDs and trainees include professional networking and increased research and job opportunities. Mentors should be approachable, accessible, supportive, and ethical, while mentees should be enthusiastic, ethical, committed, and approachable. Vascular fellows feel more comfortable with open vascular operations than residents, and nether group feels comfortable with complex endovascular cases. More research is warranted.

Comparison of the integrated vascular surgery resident operative experience and the traditional vascular surgery fellowship

ObjectiveAfter almost 10 years since its approval, residents in integrated vascular surgery training programs now outnumber traditional vascular fellows. We examined the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case log data to assess whether there is a difference in operative experience between the graduating integrated residents and vascular fellows. MethodsWe analyzed the total clinical experience of vascular surgery trainees during the academic years between 2012 and 2014 for the 30 graduated integrated vascular surgery residents (VSRs) and the 243 graduated vascular surgery fellows (VSFs). Data were compared on the basis of reported categories defined by the ACGME operation reporting system. VSR case totals were calculated by combining “surgeon chief,” “surgeon junior,” and “secondary procedures” categories. VSF “surgeon fellow” and “secondary procedures” case totals were combined with all vascular cases done in general surgery residency (using averages of general surgery resident ACGME case log data from the same years) to reflect their total vascular experience. ResultsThe average total vascular experience reported by VSRs was 1446.0 compared with 1421.8 for VSFs (P = .2086). VSRs performed 694.7 major vascular procedures on average compared with 616.3 major cases for VSFs (P = .0106). Highlighted comparisons include the following: open aortic aneurysm cases, VSRs 20.6 and VSFs 22.2 (P = .320); endovascular aortic aneurysm cases, VSRs 80.0 and VSFs 80.6 (P = .945); cerebrovascular cases, VSRs 78.8 and VSFs 85.0 (P = .1132); and peripheral obstructive cases, VSRs 343.6 and VSFs 293.4 (P = .0032). ConclusionsIntegrated VSRs and traditional VSFs graduate with comparable overall vascular surgery clinical experience. VSRs reported, on average, a significantly higher number of major vascular procedures during their tenure as trainees as well as a significantly increased number of cases in six of the other ACGME categories.

An intensive vascular surgical skills and simulation course for vascular trainees improves procedural knowledge and self-rated procedural competence

BackgroundSurgical skills and simulation courses are emerging to meet the demand for vascular simulation training for vascular surgical skills, but their educational effect has not yet been described. We sought to determine the effect of an intensive vascular surgical skills and simulation course on the procedural knowledge and self-rated procedural competence of vascular trainees and to assess participant feedback regarding the course. MethodsParticipants underwent a 1.5-day course covering open and endovascular procedures on high-fidelity simulators and cadavers. Before and after the course, participants completed a written test that assessed procedural knowledge concerning index open vascular and endovascular procedures. Participants also assessed their own procedural competence in open and endovascular procedures on a 5-point Likert scale (1: no ability to perform, 5: performs independently). Scores before and after the course were compared among postgraduate year (PGY) 1-2 and PGY 3-7 trainees. Participants completed a survey to rate the relevance and realism of open and endovascular simulations. ResultsFifty-eight vascular integrated residents and vascular fellows (PGY 1-7) completed the course and all assessments. After course participation, procedural knowledge scores were significantly improved among PGY 1-2 residents (50% correct before vs 59% after; P < .0001) and PGY 3-7 residents (52% correct before vs 63% after; P = .003). Self-rated procedural competence was significantly improved among PGY 1-2 (2.2 ± 0.1 before vs 3.1 ± 0.1 after; P < .0001) and PGY 3-7 (3.0 ± 0.1 before vs 3.7 ± 0.1 after; P ≤ .0001). Self-rated procedural competence significantly improved for both endovascular (2.4 ± 0.1 before vs 3.3 ± 0.1 after; P < .0001) and open procedures (2.7 ± 0.1 before vs 3.5 ± 0.1 after; P < .0001). More than 93% of participants reported they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the relevance and realism of the open and endovascular simulations. All participants reported they would recommend the course to other trainees. ConclusionsThis intensive vascular surgical skills and simulation course improved procedural knowledge concerning index open vascular and endovascular procedures among PGY 1-2 and PGY 3-7 trainees. The course also improved self-rated procedural competence across all levels of training for open and endovascular procedures. Trainees rated the value of a surgical skills and simulation course highly. These results support strong consideration for the implementation of similar intensive simulation and surgical skills courses with ongoing objective assessment of their educational effect.

Abstract TP303: Institutional Stroke Quality Improvement and Impact on Vascular Neurology Fellows Practice Patterns

Background and objectives: The American Heart Association quality improvement (QI) program Target Stroke is focused on reducing door-to-needle (DTN) time for IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) therapy to ≤60 minutes. Multidisciplinary QI procedures similar to the Target Stroke best practices have been shown to improve DTN times at an MRI based program. Whether these strategies improve the performance of trainees is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of a multidisciplinary QI program on the practice patterns of vascular neurology (VN) fellows at an MRI based stroke program. Methods: Case logs from the NIH Stroke Program VN fellows (N=22) were reviewed from July 2008-July 2015. Data was collected for the following: total patients screened, patients triaged, stroke code proceeds, tPA treated cases, and door to needle time (DTN) for each patient treated including DTN ≤60 minutes. QI processes that included stroke team education and process changes were initiated in 2013 to improve stroke care at two hospitals where VN fellows provide clinical care. We compared VN fellow practice patterns before (2008-12) and after (2013-15) QI implementation. Results: A total of 5093 cases were reviewed for the study. From 2008-15, fellows screened a yearly average of 232 patients, triaged 54% (125) to acute imaging, and treated 7.8% (18) patients each year with IV tPA. VN fellow practice patterns after QI implementation (2013-15) improved for percent treated with IV tPA (5.8% vs. 9.9%, p&lt;0.05), median DTN (83 vs. 71 min.; p&lt;0.05), and percentage treated ≤60 minutes (11% vs. 40%; p&lt;0.05). The mean number of patients screened was slightly higher before 2013 (238 vs. 225), and triage rates were similar (52.4% vs. 55%, p=0.58). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that an institutional multidisciplinary QI stroke program can improve the practice patterns of VN fellows at an MRI based stroke program.

Smart(phone) Learning Experience Among Vascular Trainees Using a Response System Application

Smartphones have become the most important personal technological device. M-learning is learning through mobile device educational technology. We aim to assess the acceptability of a smartphone learning experience among the vascular trainees and determine if results could inform formal teaching efforts. A survey of the vascular trainees at a single center was conducted following a trial of smartphone learning experience. A vascular fellow used a smartphone response system application (Polltogo, Inspirapps Inc.) to send a daily multiple-choice question to the vascular residents for 20 consecutive working days. The application allows for only one attempt from each user, and the answers are registered anonymously. However, each participant receives instant feedback on his/her response by viewing the correct answer after answering each question along with a distribution of answers among other users. A total of 9 trainees participated in the trial, and all of them filled a posttrial survey. All the trainees possessed smartphones. The majority (78%) were not aware of the concept of m-learning. The mobile engagement score (number of answers received divided by total possible answers) was 145/180 (81%). All the trainees were "satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the experience, and the same number stated that they were "likely" or "very likely" to use this technology in the future. The majority (89%) agreed that such an application could assist them in preparing for their board examination. On 3 occasions, 75% or more of the participating trainees answered the multiple-choice question incorrectly, which resulted in addressing the relevant topics in the unit's weekly teaching conference. Using smartphones for education is acceptable among the vascular trainees, and the trial of a response system application with instant written feedback represents a novel method for using smartphones for collaborative learning. Such an application can also inform program directors and surgical trainers of their trainees' learning needs.

Christina Fanola MD MSc.

Recipient of the Young Investigator Award at ESC Congress 2016 and now first author for A Novel Risk Prediction Score in Atrial Fibrillation in this EHJ issue ![Graphic][1] Dr Fanola is a practicing vascular cardiologist and current clinical trials Research Fellow with the TIMI Study Group, an academic research organization affiliated with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Prior to initiating work with the TIMI Group, Christina completed clinical and research training in both vascular medicine and cardiology at Boston University, and received a … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

Erratum. Reliability assessment of the Biffl Scale for blunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury as detected on computer tomography angiography

OBJECTIVEBlunt traumatic cerebrovascular injury (TCVI) represents structural injury to a vessel due to high-energy trauma. The Biffl Scale is a widely accepted grading scheme for these injuries that was developed using digital subtraction angiography. In recent years, screening CT angiography (CTA) has been used to identify patients with TCVI. The reliability of this scale, with injuries assessed using CTA, has not yet been determined.METHODSSeven independent raters, including 2 neurosurgeons, 2 neuroradiologists, 2 neurosurgical residents, and 1 neurosurgical vascular fellow, independently reviewed each presenting CTA of the neck performed in 40 patients with confirmed TCVI and assigned a Biffl grade. Ten images were repeated to assess intrarater reliability, for a total of 50 CTAs. Fleiss' multirater kappa (κ) and interclass correlation were calculated as a measure of interrater reliability. Weighted Cohen's κ was used to assess intrarater reliability.RESULTSFleiss' multirater κ was 0.65 (95% CI 0.61–0....

Losing Exposure: Diminishing Revascularization Experience in General Surgery Residency

With the rising popularity of endovascular procedures, there is concern that vascular surgery trainees receive increasingly limited experience with open lower extremity revascularization procedures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate trends in open lower extremity revascularization procedures performed by general surgery residents and vascular surgery fellows over time. These trends were assessed alongside resident participation in endovascular revascularization procedures over time. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education case logs of general surgery residents and vascular surgery fellows were reviewed from 2005-2006 to 2014-2015. The mean numbers of open aortoiliac and infrainguinal revascularization cases per surgeon were compared by academic year. Case logs for endovascular revascularization procedures were available beginning in 2007-2008. Nonparametric tests for trend were performed to evaluate changes over time. General surgery residents' experience in open aortoiliac and infrainguinal revascularization decreased during the study period (P = .003) from 14.7 to 8.4 mean cases per resident as displayed in the Fig, but it remained relatively constant for vascular fellows (45.3 to 46.5 mean cases per fellow; P = .138). Conversely, endovascular aortoiliac and infrainguinal revascularization experience has increased, although not statistically significant, since reporting began in 2009 (from 2.6 to 3.6 mean cases per general surgery resident; P = .078). Among vascular fellows, reported since 2007, experience with endovascular aortoiliac and infrainguinal revascularization has increased but did not represent a consistent trend, from 53.2 to 69.1 (P = .267). General surgery residents are experiencing a decreasing exposure to open lower extremity revascularization procedures, most significantly bypass using saphenous vein, which remains the “gold standard.” This decrease might be attributed to a multitude of changing variables, including the expansion of fellowship involvement or integrated vascular residency programs and the continued emerging sophistication of the endovascular approaches, despite the gold standard of care. On the basis of these trends, one could argue that general surgery residents graduating today are less fit to treat individuals with peripheral arterial occlusive disease because of their limited experience in performing open procedures. Furthermore, progressively diminishing experience with the art of open surgical repair may deter residents from pursuing a career in vascular surgery.

Effect of Endovascular Interventions on General Surgery Trainee Operative Experience; a Comparison of Case Log Reports

Vascular surgery fellowship training has evolved with the widespread adoption of endovascular interventions. The purpose of this study is to examine how general surgery trainee exposure to vascular surgery has changed over time. Review of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education national case log reports for graduating Vascular Surgery Fellows (VF), and general surgery residents (GSR) from 2001 to 2012 was performed. The number of GSR increased from 1021 to 1098, and the number of VF increased from 96 to 121 from 2001 to 2012. The total number of vascular cases done by VF increased by 1161 since 2001 (298-762), whereas the total number of vascular cases done by GSR has decreased by 40% during this time period (186-116). Vascular fellows increase was due primarily to an increase in endovascular experience; a finding not noted in general surgery residents. Vascular fellow case log changes are due primarily to an increase in endovascular experience that has not been mirrored by general surgery trainees. Open surgery experience has decreased overall for general surgery residents in all major categories, a change not seen in vascular surgery fellows.

General Surgery Resident Vascular Operative Experience in the Era of Endovascular Surgery and Vascular Fellowships

Advances in endovascular surgery have resulted in a decline in major open arterial reconstructions nationwide. Our objective is to investigate the effect of endovascular surgery on general surgery resident experience with open vascular surgery. Between 2004 and 2014, 112 residents graduated from two academic institutions in Southern California. Residents were separated into those who graduated in 2004 to 2008 (period 1) and in 2009 to 2014 (period 2). Case volumes of vascular procedures were compared using two-sample t test. A total of 43 residents were in period 1 and 59 residents were in period 2. In aggregate, there was no significant difference in open cases recorded between the two periods (84 vs 87, P = 0.194). Subgroup analysis showed period 2 recorded significantly fewer cases of open aneurysm repair (5 vs 3, P < 0.001), cerebrovascular (14 vs 10, P = 0.007), and peripheral obstructive procedures (16 vs 13, P = 0.017). Dialysis access procedures constituted the largest group of procedures and remained similar between the two periods (35 vs 42, P = 0.582). General surgery residents experienced a significant decline in several index open major arterial reconstruction cases. This decline was offset by maintenance of dialysis access procedures. If the trend continues, future general surgeons will not be proficient in open vascular procedures.

Vascular Fellow and Resident Training Experience in Infrapopliteal Revascularization With Endovascular Procedures and Vein Bypass Operations During Training

Vascular Fellow and Resident Training Experience in Infrapopliteal Revascularization With Endovascular Procedures and Vein Bypass Operations During Training

Carotid Endarterectomy with Retrograde Proximal Stenting: Not a Simple Solution

Methods: Participants underwent a 1.5-day course covering open and endovascular procedures on high-fidelity simulators and cadavers. Before and after the course, participants completed a written test that assessed procedural knowledge concerning index open vascular and endovascular procedures. Participants also assessed their own procedural competence in both open and endovascular procedures on a 5-point Likert scale (1: no ability to perform, 5: performs independently). Postcourse and precourse scores were compared among postgraduate year (PGY) 1 and 2 and PGY 3 to 7 trainees. Participants used a survey to rate the relevance and realism of open and endovascular simulations. Results: Twenty-four vascular integrated residents and vascular fellows (PGY1-7) completed the course and all assessments. After course participation, procedural knowledge scores were significantly improved among PGY1-2 residents (precourse: 51% correct vs postcourse: 63%; P 1⁄4 .002) but not among PGY3-7 residents (precourse: 62% correct vs postcourse: 67%; P 1⁄4 .2). Self-rated procedural competence was significantly improved between PGY 1-2 (precourse: 2.5 6 .2 vs postcourse: 3.4 6 .2; P < .0001) and PGY 3-7 (precourse: 3.2 6 .3 vs postcourse: 4.0 6 .2; P 1⁄4 .003) participants. Self-rated procedural competence significantly improved for both endovascular (precourse: 2.3 6 .2 vs postcourse: 3.3 6 .1; P < .0001) and open procedures (precourse: 2.7 6 .2 vs postcourse: 3.6 6 .1; P 1⁄4 .002). Greater than 90% of participants reported they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the relevance and realism of both open and endovascular simulations. All participants reported they would recommend the course to other trainees. Conclusions: This intensive simulation and surgical skills course improved procedural knowledge concerning index open vascular and endovascular procedures among PGY 1-2 trainees and improved self-rated procedural competence across all levels of training for both open and endovascular procedures. Trainees rated the simulation experience highly. These data support the implementation of similar intensive simulation and surgical skills courses with ongoing objective assessment of their educational effect.